‘Homebound’ Oscar entry tells true story of Basti village, but locals still await a screening at home

Basti (UP): Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ has carried the poignant story of Mohammad Sayyub and Amrit Kumar from a village in Uttar Pradesh to international acclaim. Yet, back home in Devari village, nestled in the Basti district, residents are still waiting to watch the film inspired by their own.

The film, based on Basharat Peer's New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home” (A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway), premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. It was recently announced as India’s official selection for the 2026 Academy Awards and released in theatres last month.

Peer’s article chronicled the heartbreaking true story of Amrit Kumar, a migrant worker from Devari in Bankati block, who died of heatstroke during the COVID-19 lockdown while walking home from Surat. His friend, Mohammad Saiyub, refused to abandon him, staying by his side until the end.

Although ‘Homebound’ has earned accolades at international festivals and is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the villagers say they’ve yet to see the film themselves.

With the nearest cinema located some 25 kilometres away—and uncertainty about whether the film is even playing there—the distance and cost remain major barriers for many.

Mohammad Yunus, Saiyub’s father, shared the family's hope that the filmmakers would bring the movie to them.

“The story is based on our son's life. The filmmakers should arrange for a screening here and ensure that our family receives a share of what this success brings,” he said.

Pintu, a local who contributed photography during the shoot, echoed this sentiment:

“We are proud that a film based on Sayyub and Amrit's friendship has reached the Oscars. But we hope some part of the money earned from this film goes to Amrit's family and for the development of our village.”

Village representative Surendra Patel called the film’s success a matter of pride but emphasised the need for its impact to reach those who inspired it.

“The film's earnings should help Amrit's family and support our village's growth. There should also be a centre here that promotes literature and stories that inspire humanity, like this one,” he said.

Amrit Kumar’s family—including parents Ramcharan and Subhawati, his brother Shivam and sisters Suman and Shivani—welcomed the recognition but hoped the film’s success would translate into educational support and a better future.

Recent reports had suggested that the family received only Rs 10,000 for the story rights, prompting criticism online. However, director Neeraj Ghaywan addressed this controversy earlier this month, clarifying that the amount was not compensation.

"Some of you have expressed concerns about reports claiming that the family whose life inspired Homebound was compensated with a mere Rs10,000—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. Please do not mistake this for the full extent of the compensation provided," he wrote on X.

Ghaywan added that the family had expressed their happiness regarding the support they received.

“Neither I, nor 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 honoured their trust and stories with sincere respect and significant support… 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’,” he added.

Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, ‘Homebound’ had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

The official synopsis reads:

“Two childhood friends—Shoaib and Chandan—from a small North Indian village chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together.”

Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese also served as an executive producer on the film, adding further weight to its Oscar campaign.
PTI