Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has criticized Hindi cinema for largely ignoring the stories of India's majority population. His latest film, Homebound, addresses caste disparities in modern Indian society and serves as the country's official entry to the Oscars. Speaking on IMDb's official YouTube channel, Ghaywan pointed out that Bollywood has traditionally focused on narratives representing only 10-15% of the population, primarily from upper-caste backgrounds. He highlighted the glaring absence of Dalit and tribal voices both in front of and behind the camera throughout 100 years of cinema. Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, telling the story of a Dalit and a Muslim who aspire to become policemen to escape discrimination. Based on a New York Times essay, the film follows their journey as migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Produced by Karan Johar and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, it premiered at Cannes Film Festival before releasing theatrically in India in August 2025.
Call for Greater Inclusivity in Indian Cinema
Ghaywan emphasized the urgent need for reparations in Indian filmmaking. He noted that mainstream Hindi cinema has systematically excluded communities that form the majority of India's population. The filmmaker stated he is likely one of the few acknowledged members from the Dalit community working in the industry. This lack of representation extends across all aspects of filmmaking, from actors to directors and crew members. Ghaywan believes the industry must actively work toward correcting this historical imbalance. His film Homebound represents a step in addressing these long-standing issues by bringing marginalized experiences to the forefront. The movie has received positive reception and recognition at international film festivals, validating the importance of diverse storytelling in contemporary cinema.
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