Martin Scorsese Says He Has Watched Homebound 'Many Times', Calls Neeraj Ghaywan’s Film 'Deeply Human'

Hollywood icon Martin Scorsese has heaped praise on Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest directorial, Homebound, revealing that he has watched the film multiple times and has been “living with it” for three years.

Scorsese Hosts Special Screening in New York

Earlier this month, Martin Scorsese personally hosted a special screening of Homebound in New York. The event was attended by director Neeraj Ghaywan along with actors Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter, who play the film’s leads.

Dharma Productions, which has backed the project alongside Adar Poonawalla, shared a video of Scorsese’s post-screening conversation with Ghaywan, where the legendary filmmaker spoke openly about his admiration for the film.

“I Loved the Film… I’ve Seen It So Many Times”

In the video, Scorsese recalls reading the script of Homebound while he was heavily immersed in making Killers of the Flower Moon. Despite the intense workload of a long feature, the story of Homebound stayed with him.

“We worked on the film and I loved the film, and I was telling your actors that I have seen it so many times, having gone through the script,” Scorsese said. “I remember reading the script, and in a way I have been living with it for three years. It is quite satisfying that it is here now. I love that audiences in America get to see this picture.”

A Story Rooted in Friendship, Identity and Systemic Realities

Inspired by Basharat Peer’s The New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” also known as “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway,” the film explores the bond between a Muslim (played by Ishaan Khatter) and a Dalit (played by Vishal Jethwa). Their shared dream of securing a police job becomes a pursuit of dignity in a world that repeatedly denies it because of their surnames.

Scorsese praised Ghaywan’s approach to the narrative, emphasizing how the film balances tragedy and tenderness:

“I know it’s based on a real story, and I did not know the story. The tragedy of the image… You also deal with the joy of these characters and the joy of life. I’m impressed with how you related to the story that way instead of a ponderous kind of lecture. You go at it with the humanity of these two kids, plus their families.”

Homebound’s Journey Toward Global Acclaim

Starring Janhvi Kapoor alongside Khatter and Jethwa, Homebound is backed by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla and has already earned major recognition. The film was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

With Scorsese championing it and global audiences responding strongly, Homebound now finds itself positioned as one of the most important Indian films of the year—one that bridges cultures through intimate storytelling and universal emotion.