Neeraj Ghaywan refutes low compensation claims for Homebound’s real-life family

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has addressed recent reports suggesting that the family of Amrit, whose harrowing 2020 lockdown journey inspired the upcoming film Homebound , received only ₹10,000 from the production team and had not been in recent contact. The director took to X on October 3, 2025, to clarify the situation, putting speculation to rest.

According to Ghaywan, the ₹10,000 was a personal gesture made years ago during his research phase and was not representative of the financial support provided during the making of the film . He emphasized that both he and the producers at Dharma Productions have extended substantial support to the families, who have privately expressed their satisfaction with the assistance they received. “The well-being of the families involved has always been a priority for us,” Ghaywan stated, aiming to quell concerns raised by media reports.

Homebound , which has been selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards, is inspired by a New York Times article that chronicled the perilous journey of two friends attempting to return to their village in Uttar Pradesh from Delhi during the COVID-19 lockdown. The film, a poignant blend of human resilience and social commentary, has already garnered attention for its sensitive portrayal of a real-life ordeal that touched the nation during the pandemic.

The controversy arose amid heightened interest in the film, with audiences eager to know the real stories behind the cinematic adaptation. By addressing the claims directly, Ghaywan has sought to maintain transparency and assure fans and critics alike that the families’ contributions have been acknowledged and appropriately supported.

As Homebound prepares for its theatrical release, the director’s clarification ensures that focus remains on the story itself—a testament to survival, empathy, and the extraordinary human spirit during unprecedented times.