Homebound starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has finally hit Indian cinemas. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced under the Dharma Productions banner, the film has already garnered international acclaim, having been showcased at major festivals including Cannes 2025 and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Amid the buzz, Ghaywan has addressed reports suggesting that the family whose real life story inspired the movie was compensated only Rs 10,000. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ghaywan clarified that the figure was “taken out of context” and does not reflect the full support extended to the family.
He explained that the Rs 10,000 in circulation was a personal token given to Ram Charan ji (Amrit’s father) during his early research for the project, and not the official compensation. He stated, “Some of you have expressed concerns about reports claiming that the family whose life inspired Homebound was compensated with a mere ₹10,000, a shamefully low amount. I want to clarify that this sum was a small token I personally gave to Ram Charan ji (Amrit’s father) many years ago during my initial research, simply as a parting gesture.”
Some of you have expressed concerns about reports claiming that the family whose life inspired Homebound was compensated with a mere ₹10,000—a shamefully low amount. I want to clarify that this sum was a small token I personally gave to Ram Charan ji (Amrit’s father) many years…
---Advertisement---— Neeraj Ghaywan (@ghaywan) October 3, 2025
The filmmaker also revealed that Amrit and Saiyub, whose journey shaped the film, are satisfied with how their story was depicted, though he refrained from disclosing the actual figure out of respect for the family.
He further added, “Please do not mistake this for the full extent of the compensation provided. Neither I, not the producers would ever reduce such a deeply personal story to such a pittance. The families’ contributions are invaluable and deeply meaningful to me. We have honored their trust and stories with sincere respect and significant support. They have expressed their happiness with me about the same and I personally don’t want to mention the number because that would disrespect the bond I share with Amrit and Saiyub—the original heroes of Homebound.”
About Homebound
The film is about two childhood friends from a small village in North India who want to become police officers to earn respect and dignity. As they get closer to achieving their dream, challenges arise that put their friendship and decisions to the test. Director Neeraj Ghaywan says it’s a heartfelt story about friendship, survival, and the strength of people who are often ignored by society.
The film recently received a nine minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and it has has earned Rs 2.9 crore worldwide, according to Sacnilk.
