'Homebound' review: Neeraj Ghaywan's film is a journey worth taking

Entertainment Oct 05, 2025

Neeraj Ghaywan's latest film, Homebound, dives into the story of two friends making their way home on foot during India's 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
Inspired by a striking photo from the COVID-19 exodus—and an essay by journalist Basharat Peer—the movie follows Amrit Kumar and Mohammad Saiyub as they journey from Surat to Devari, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the power of friendship when things get tough.

A tribute to the migrant workers

Homebound is a heartfelt tribute to the millions of migrant workers stranded without jobs or transport during the sudden lockdown.
Ghaywan centers their real-life journeys, hoping to give voice to those directly affected and remind us all how human connection and resilience can help people get through even the hardest times.