Director Neeraj Ghaywan Disputes Low Compensation Claims for 'Homebound' Inspiration

New Delhi, Oct 3 (PTI) - Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has refuted claims suggesting that Amrit's family, whose true story inspired his latest film “Homebound,” received a minimal compensation. Ghaywan asserts that their contribution is "invaluable" to him.

The film, which recently premiered in theaters and has been selected as India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards, draws inspiration from a New York Times article by journalist Basharat Peer, titled "Taking Amrit Home" (A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway).

The article tells the poignant tale of Amrit Kumar, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh who tragically succumbed to heat stroke on a highway while returning home from Surat during the COVID-19 pandemic. His friend, Mohammad Saiyub, remained by his side, demonstrating their deep friendship amidst the difficult conditions faced by migrants.

Recently, reports emerged alleging that Amrit's family was compensated merely Rs 10,000 for their story by the "Homebound" team.

Ghaywan addressed the claims in a post on X, clarifying that the cited amount was a small token he gave to Amrit’s father, Ram Charan, during his preliminary research as a farewell gesture.

“Some of you have expressed concerns about reports claiming that the family whose life inspired Homebound was compensated with a mere Rs 10,000—a shamefully low amount.

“I want to clarify that this sum was a small token I personally gave to Ram Charan ji (Amrit’s father) many years ago during my initial research as a parting gesture. Please do not mistake this for the full extent of the compensation provided,” Ghaywan explained.

He added that the family has expressed their satisfaction with the support received.

“Neither I, nor the producers, would ever reduce such a deeply personal story to such a pittance. The families’ contributions are invaluable and deeply meaningful to me.

“We have honored their trust and stories with sincere respect and significant support. I personally don’t want to mention the number because that would disrespect the bond I share with Amrit and Saiyub—the original heroes of ‘Homebound’,” the filmmaker stated.

“Homebound” stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles and debuted at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Un Certain Regard segment.

The official synopsis of the movie describes it as a tale of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village striving for a police job that would afford them the dignity they've been deprived of. As they edge closer to their dreams, mounting desperation threatens their friendship.

Produced by Dharma Productions, the film is executive produced by Hollywood icon Martin Scorsese.

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