Homebound

"Homebound" is one of those rare films that hits you right in the heart. It's a deeply relatable story, layered with intense and often heartbreaking moments, all while never losing its emotional core. The film really shines a light on issues that feel incredibly relevant to what many families go through in India even today.

What stands out is how the movie blends a universal sense of empathy with a compelling message. It's not just a drama; it's a conversation starter about societal pressures, family ties, and the resilience of the human spirit. I found myself both moved and inspired, and I think anyone watching will come away feeling the same way.

In short, "Homebound" is a beautifully crafted film that delivers a strong and timely message, wrapped in a very relatable and heartfelt narrative. Definitely worth a watch and a review!

I have always been against the idea of reservation. Coming from a place where equality is practiced and discrimination is rarely visible, I never truly understood why such policies existed. My mindset was shaped by an environment where everyone seemed equal, and so I felt reservations were unnecessary.

But after watching Homebound, my perspective changed completely. I have seen many films on this topic before, but somehow this one left a much deeper impact on me. It forced me to reflect on the long history of suffering and humiliation faced by lower-caste communities.

For the first time, I truly felt the weight of their struggles, and it made me realize how privileged I was to never experience such injustice. Thinking about the generations who endured discrimination fills me with shame, but also gratitude for the awareness this movie gave me.

Homebound is not just a film-it's an eye-opener. It has the power to change minds, as it did with mine.

Two childhood friends from different walks of life face the same challenges of discrimination. Determined to change their fate, they set out in search of a better life.

Based on a true story, this is a profound and touching film. A straightforward tale about two best friends trying to change their circumstances, but the overlay of the discrimination certain groups face in India makes it unique. Having prior knowledge of the Indian caste system and Hindu-Muslim relations will provide a better context for the story, but it is not necessary. The one hour and fifty-nine minute runtime is a slow burn, as the story and drama unfold, accompanied by a sprinkling of romance and comedy. An excellent and unique watch, but the right mindset is required to fully appreciate it.

Bollywood doesn't make good films!!!

Like many of us, this was my favorite line to throw whenever talking about Indian cinema. But deep inside, I knew that whenever a good film released, I never turned up at the theatre to actually watch or support it. Luckily, not this time.

If you've watched Masaan or even heard the praise around it, this is from the same director - and he has now given us Homebound.

It's the story of two friends and their struggles against the deeply chauvinistic, casteist, and communal society we are all a part of. Shoaib and Chandan represent so many of us who were mocked, suppressed, and abused for our caste or religion. We all dreamt of becoming so successful that we could escape this bullying - but real life doesn't work like that, not even for Shoaib and Chandan.

And yet, in the middle of hatred and a system that keeps punching down, their friendship blossoms beautifully. Chandan needs a job so he can build a pakka makan for his labourer parents and marry off his sister. Shoaib wants one for his disabled father, who can no longer work. Somehow, through their brilliance and sharp skills, they achieve success - but the system once again pushes them back into poverty. To escape, they take up work as labourers, until Covid hits.

What happens next? Please go to the theatre to witness it yourself.

When the movie ended, we were left speechless. The hall had barely 25-30 people, but every single one of us sat through the credits, trying to digest what we had just experienced. Clapping for this brilliant film was the least we could do - and we did.

In the end, this is my heartfelt request: please go to the theatre and support this movie ♥

The authenticity this film exudes, despite some visible studio and censor meddling, makes it an incredible experience, even though you can see where it is going. The forced disclaimer at the beginning, despite this being based on a true story, really tells you how important this film is. It truly shows all the issues in India through the sweet friendship of two young men and their lives. Beyond the obvious bigotry, there are a lot of invisible ones that not only become a barrier for one, but also for the perception of what one can achieve. Even when films try to portray those things, it's not captured perfectly like this a lot of the time. These things also factor into why the system and those who enforce the rules act certain way.

The acting in the film has also been spectacular all around. The two leads were great, and they are getting the praise, but also got to note how good their family was. Especially the mother and sister of Chandan were fantastic. If I didn't know about the ending already because it's a true story, that ending would've totally broken me. Probably the best Indian film of the year so far for me.