Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has received widespread critical acclaim since its release in September 2025. Critics are calling it a "soul-stirring" and "deeply empathetic" masterpiece, with many comparing its emotional weight to Ghaywan’s debut, Masaan.
Critical Consensus
The film holds a rare 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 85, indicating universal acclaim. Most critics praise the film for tackling systemic issues like caste and religious identity through a deeply personal, human lens rather than a preachy one.
Review Highlights
Performances: * Ishaan Khatter (Shoaib): Described as a "career-defining" and "magnetic" performance. Critics noted his ability to portray the quiet rage and practical desperation of a young Muslim man.
Vishal Jethwa (Chandan): Hailed as an "absolute revelation." His portrayal of a Dalit youth hiding his identity to escape exclusion was praised for its raw honesty and restraint.
Janhvi Kapoor (Sudha): Though her role is relatively small, she is noted for being "sincere" and providing a crucial perspective on female education and ambition within marginalized communities.
Direction & Writing: Reviewers from The Hindu and Variety highlighted Ghaywan’s ability to capture "subtle indignities" and "daily injustices" without resorting to melodrama. The dialogue, co-written by Varun Grover, is described as incisive and deeply affecting.
Technical Finesse: Pratik Shah’s cinematography is frequently mentioned for its "unflinching" look at the harsh realities of rural India and the grueling journey of migrant workers during the lockdown.
Score Summary
| Publication | Rating | Verdict |
| The Times of India | 5 / 5 | "Filmmaking at its finest... a soul-stirring observation." |
| The Indian Express | 3.5 / 5 | "Offers compassion and cautious optimism we desperately need." |
| Rediff | 4 / 5 | "Deeply moving... the simmering anger is not sanitized." |
| WION | Positive | "A triumph of empathy... stays with you long after the film ends." |
What the Critics Say
"Homebound hits like a thunderbolt... It not only compels you to confront your own privilege but also lays bare the complex layers of gender-based disparity." — Times of India
"The first time in ages that a mainstream Hindi-language production has felt vital... a searing indictment of modern India." — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety
A Note for Viewers
While the film is heartbreaking and deals with the brutal reality of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, reviewers emphasize that it is a story of friendship and resilience rather than just tragedy. It avoids "poverty porn" by focusing on the agency and dreams of its lead characters.
Homebound is currently available to stream on Netflix (released on November 21, 2025).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Do Leave a Comment