Homebound Made Me Feel Really Small, Says Anurag Basu: Cinema So Good That... | Exclusive

Neeraj

Ghaywan’s Homebound is representing Indian cinema on a global platform. Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor star in the sociodrama. Its acclaim took the film to the Oscars 2026. As the campaigning gears to begin in January 2026, Neeraj received a thumbs-up from Anurag Basu. In an exclusive interview with Zoom for the Best Performances Directors 2025 roundtable, the Metro...In Dino director recalled watching Homebound in theatres and how the film moved him. In October, Anurag tweeted praising the movie on X. Sharing the panel during the Best Performances Directors 2025 roundtable, Neeraj decoded key scenes from Homebound. In response, Anurag said his and Reema Kagti’s Superboys Of Malegaon moved him the most.

Anurag Basu gets affected

Anurag told Zoom during the Best Performances Directors 2025 roundtable, “Neeraj ka film dekhke I really felt small. I messaged him also. Cinema itna accha hai na shayad aise logon se aapki mulaqat na ho. Aise situation pe aap na jaye lekin jab aap voh jeete hai na vahan baithke film ko, it really affected me. I have never been so affected. Shalini ka chappal wala scene aata hai, main toh hil hi gaya.” (Translation: After watching Neeraj’s film (Homebound), I really felt small. I messaged him also. Cinema is so good that even if you’re not going to meet those people and be in that situation, you live that moment sitting in a theatre. It really affected me. I have never been so affected. Shalini Vatsa’s chappal scene shook me.)

On October 10, Anurag tweeted, "Saw #Homebound last night and I’m still in its beautiful hangover. A timely, aching film that deserves every conversation and, yes, an Oscar nod. Neeraj @ghywan made me feel wonderfully inferior as a filmmaker, #IshanKhattar #Vishal #JhanviKapoor #Shalinivats are simply brilliant."

About Homebound

Homebound has been shortlisted for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists in the International Feature Film category. It is the story of Chandan and Shoaib, who are grappling with societal injustices towards caste and religion. Their friendship and brotherhood are tested. However, COVID-19 changes their lives. Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix.