Homebound Controversy: Dharma Productions Denies Copyright Infringement Allegations

Production house maintains that the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial is a licensed adaptation of a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer.

Dharma Productions has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations of copyright infringement concerning its critically acclaimed film, Homebound. On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the production house dismissed claims made by author and journalist Puja Changoiwala, who alleged that the film plagiarized her 2021 novel of the same name.

The Defense: A Licensed True Story

In an official statement, a spokesperson for Dharma Productions clarified that the film’s narrative is rooted in documented journalism rather than the author’s fiction.

The Source Material: The film is an officially licensed adaptation of the New York Times article “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway” (originally titled “Taking Amrit Home”) by Basharat Peer.

The Inspiration: The article, published in May 2020, followed the real-life story of two migrant workers—Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar—during the COVID-19 exodus.

Official Stance: Dharma asserted that all intellectual property rights were “lawfully acquired” and that the author’s claims are “baseless and unfounded.”

The Allegations: “Scene-by-Scene Overlap”

Puja Changoiwala, who published her novel Homebound in 2021, argues that the similarities extend beyond the common theme of the migrant crisis.

The Claim: Changoiwala alleges that the second half of the film mirrors her book’s narrative structure, specific dialogue, and sequence of events.

Legal Notice: Her legal team issued a notice to Dharma on October 15, providing a “scene-by-scene account” of the alleged infringement.

Passing Off: The author further claims that using the same title constitutes “passing off,” especially since the film’s script was reportedly finalized in 2022, a year after her book was released.

High Stakes: The Road to Oscars 2026

The controversy comes at a critical juncture for the film, which has emerged as a major global contender.

Oscar Shortlist: Homebound was recently announced as one of the final 15 films in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards.

Critical Pedigree: Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan), the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 (Un Certain Regard) and won the Second Runner-Up Audience Choice Award at TIFF.

Streaming Success: Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film is currently one of the top-trending titles on Netflix India.

Legal Status

Dharma Productions confirmed responding to the initial legal notice but stated they have received no formal communication regarding the pre-suit mediation or the suit reportedly initiated in the Bombay High Court. The production house added that they are “exploring legal action” to protect the integrity of the film and its creators.