Dharma Productions denies plagiarism allegations against Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa starrer Homebound

homebound

Dharma Productions has firmly rejected allegations of plagiarism levelled against its critically acclaimed film Homebound, which is India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

The production house described the claims as 'baseless and unfounded' and said it has already responded to a legal notice from the accuser through its legal counsel.

The controversy erupted after author and journalist Puja Changoiwala accused the makers of copying her 2021 novel Homebound, which, like the film, focuses on the struggles of migrant workers during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Changoiwala alleges that not just the title but substantial parts of her book’s content — including certain scenes, dialogue, narrative structure and sequence of events — were reproduced in the movie’s second half.

She claims her legal notice, issued in October, detailed these similarities and that producers did not properly address her concerns.

In its official statement, Dharma Productions clarified that Homebound is a licensed adaptation of a 2020 New York Times article by journalist Basharat Peer, titled A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway, and that all necessary rights were lawfully acquired with due credit.

“The allegations of copyright infringement are unfounded, and Dharma categorically denies the same. A legal notice has been received and duly responded to by Dharma’s legal counsel. Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation inspired by the New York Times article by Basharat Peer, with all requisite rights lawfully acquired and due credit duly provided,” the makers said in a statement.

“Dharma has become aware through media reports of an alleged pre-suit mediation before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court; however, no formal communication has been received to date. Dharma is adopting a firm legal position and, as the matter is sub judice, will not comment further,” the statement further said.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and featuring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a standing ovation, and was released in Indian theatres on September 26.

Also read: Anurag Basu calls Homebound a powerful film that made him ‘Feel Small’

The film is now streaming on Netflix and has drawn international attention due to its Oscar push.