Homebound Trailer Review: Neeraj Ghaywan Returns With A Poignant Tale Of Friendship And Oppression
A fresh supporting turn by Janhvi Kapoor comes along another angle, of a young woman trying to break through patriarchal constructs in a society that is close to being stuck in the past.
Dharma Productions has released the trailer of Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, as part of its theatrical release on September 26. It is Ghaywan's second narrative feature film after the award-winning Masaan (2015), and ten years in the making, after he had success with series such as Made in Heaven, Sacred Games, and the short Geeli Pucchi. Homebound has already caused a stir globally, opening in the Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival and ending as the second runner-up for the People's Choice Award at TIFF.
We are introduced to Mohammed Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa), best friends since childhood from Uttar Pradesh. Constricted not just by their bond but also by their lives as members of downtrodden communities, the two have visions of shattering the shackles of systemic constraints. When they enter the world of work, though, their aspirations fall at the feet of the bitter realities of caste and religious bias. A fresh supporting turn by Janhvi Kapoor comes along another angle, of a young woman trying to break through patriarchal constructs in a society that is close to being stuck in the past.
The film draws its setting from a New York Times story by Kashmiri reporter Basharat Peer that covered the experience of migrant laborers during India's lockdown in 2020. The movie alludes subtly to this context in passing visions of migrant throngs, police violence, and masks but explores the survival and survival of its protagonists more deeply.
Also Read: Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari Trailer Review: Varun, Janhvi, Rohit and Sanya Promise For Pure Fun
The trailer's best suit is perhaps its raw, unvarnished emotional core. The rapport between Khatter and Jethwa comes across as real, and Kapoor brings gravity to the role in her brief but effective screen time. Ghaywan's direction is sensitive and also restrained, building up visuals that are both close-up yet haunting. The festival reception and Martin Scorsese's involvement as executive producer solidify anticipation.
But the trailer is a bit ambiguous. Its refusal to name the pandemic clearly may undermine the sense of urgency for its inspiration. People who don't know the backstory will miss the broader critique. And the pacing teased out in the trailer appears to be a calculated, slow burn approach that won't suit all viewers.
Generally, Homebound promises to be an impactful, socially conscious drama that weaves together individual narrative and greater social realities. Its Sept. 26th release could make it one of the most emotionally resonant theatrical events of the year.
