When a movie fades to black, we are often left with many emotions: the cheer of a righteous ending, the hand-to-heart happily ever after, the ‘Wait! What?’. Then there are the rare films that leave you sitting there stunned and unable to process what you just watched. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is one of those extraordinary films. The last scene played, the credits rolled, and I did not want to move. I was so lost in the story that it was hard to come back into the world after the brilliance I had just experienced.
As a note, I saw the North American version of the film, which, according to the director, is the full-length movie with no cuts. I honestly cannot imagine any scene being removed, as it is being done in India.
I went into this film completely blind. The synopsis’ brief summary did not prepare me for the emotional depth of this film. If you have not seen or read anything about Homebound, I highly recommend that you don’t. You will find yourself more immersed in this story’s every moment if you don’t. I was on a roller coaster of emotions: devastation, heartbreak, tears, empathy, anger, moments of light, joy, love, and laughter. The profound friendship and unwavering loyalty played out in this film are like nothing I have ever seen on screen. It was Outstanding, Mr. Ghaywan!
The film focuses on two young men, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, who are living in quiet desperation, wanting more, wanting to make a change for themselves and their families, and to get a seat at the table, but the world, the caste system, and religious racism and persecution keep throwing up roadblocks. It is also set in a time when the world stopped (if you know, you know), and it offers a perspective of that time that many of us were unaware of. Experiencing what others faced will change you. It did me. I won’t go into detail, as it is best to view this movie with little foreknowledge. The film is presented as if the audience is not merely watching the story but living it alongside the characters; it is a masterstroke.
The cinematography by Pratik Shah must be mentioned because it became another character that enhanced the world-building to make the experience fully immersive. I could list so many incredible shots, but the birds in the sky, the long bridge scene with the lighting, and the last moments have stayed with me the longest. Incredible. I am usually pretty critical of extraneous focus, but this brought depth and a meaning I am still thinking about.
Every actor’s performance is perfect. There is never a wrong moment that takes you out of the story, and that is amazing. Bravo and brava.
Vishal Jethwa as Chandan is fantastic. He completely inhabits this character, and his performance radiates sincerity and truth. His last scenes in the movie… well, you have to see them to believe. He is so present in every moment that you never think he is acting; he is living this character.
Ishaan Khatter is one of the best actors in the world today, and that is not just hyperbole; it is a fact. About his performance in his debut film Beyond The Clouds (2017), I wrote, “This is one of the finest performances I have ever seen by any actor in any film. If this is what he can do in his first film, I cannot wait to see what he will do in the coming years.” Incredibly, he has gotten even better, more inside his characters, and so real, not playing on reel. So much so that he is completely Shoaib in Homebound. In every scene, Ishaan expresses through his body, mind, spirit, his eyes speak volumes, and we feel everything. He is brilliance personified. He deserves a standing ovation, and if it were up to me, an Oscar nomination for this performance.
Speaking of Oscar nominations, Homebound has been selected as India’s film for the Academy Awards category for Best International Film. It not only should make the short list, but it should win the Oscar easily. I have to add that it should not just be in the International film category, but get nominations for Best Actor, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Film. It is that good.
I highly recommend Homebound, and say be sure to see it on the big screen. It is a film everyone should experience. I am still sitting in awe and stunned. It is a masterpiece.
