‘Homebound’, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan Is India’s official entry for Oscars 2026 in the best international feature film category. The movie, like stars Ishaan KhatterThe Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi KapoorTells a moving story inspired by two real boys, Amrit and Saiyub, who traveled under Lockdown to reach their home.But shortly after the big Oscar news, a report suggested that Amrit’s father only received SEK 10,000 from the manufacturers and that they never stayed in contact afterwards. The director has now broken his silence and said that the truth is completely different.
Neeraj Ghaywan clarifies why Rs 10,000 were given
Ghaywan shared his side of history on social media. He confirmed that he had really given SEK 10,000 to Amrit’s father, but emphasized that it was not the whole payment.In his words, “Some of you have expressed concern about reports that claim that the family whose lives inspired homemade were compensated by only SEK 10,000, a shamefully low amount. I would like to make it clear that this sum was a small symbol that I personally gave to Ram Charan Ji (Amrit’s father) many years ago during my first research, simply as a dismissive gesture. “
Neeraj Ghaywan says full compensation was much more
Neeraj continued to clarify that this amount was never full compensation. He explained that both he and the producers took the family’s contribution very seriously.Ghaywan said: “Please do not mistake this in the complete extent of the compensation provided. Neither did I, the producers would ever reduce such a deep personal history to such a pittance. Family contributions are invaluable and deeply meaningful to me.”The director further revealed that the families themselves had expressed their happiness to him. He added, “We have honored their confidence and stories with sincere respect and significant support. They have expressed their happiness with me about the same and I, personally, do not want to mention the number because it would respect the band I share with amrit and Saiyub – the original heroes in Homebound.”
About “homebound”
“Homebound” tells the story of two childhood friends from a small village in northern India who dream of becoming police officers to get respect and dignity. As they go closer to their goal, life throws challenges that test both their friendship and choices. It received a nine minute standing ovation at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival. The film was released in India on September 26, 2025.
