By: Entertainment DeskNew Delhi | November 15, 2025 02:57 PM IST 3 min readNeeraj Ghaywan and Martin Scorsese discussing Homebound. (Photo: Dharma Productions)The story of Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial Homebound is one of the most inspiring ones to come out of India in recent years. Helmed by the director of Masaan, Homebound used the idea of friendship to talk about some systemic issues within our country. In a recent conversation with legendary director Martin Scorsese, who is also the exceutive producer of the film, Neeraj explained his approach towards the film and how he made sure that he got to speak his mind through the story without raising too many eyebrows.During a discussion, shared on Dharma Productions’ YouTube channel, Scrosese asked some inquisitive questions to Neeraj about his career. Upon reaching the topic of Homebound, Scorsese asked how Neeraj bypassed the current political and bureaucratic structures that are present in India. Neeraj replied that he used the wheel of friendship between the characters played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jhetwa to convey his thoughts.ALSO READ: Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa welcome baby girl on their fourth wedding anniversary: ‘We’re over the moon, greatest blessing’“I was very afraid to make this film because I knew that there was going to be a lot of resistance. When I approached it, I realised that the way to see this film would be to stay away from sloganeering, political grandstanding and saying out sermons. I felt that the vehicle of friendship is so potent that when you do that, it is an act of resistance. That I felt nobody will question, because how would the censor board censor friendship?” said Neeraj.The director added to that and said, “My film isn’t anti-establishment; it’s pro-humanity. It’s also a humble plea to inculcate empathy, and I feel with the way the world is going, there is a lot of hate. I think it’s about time that we sit across from our adversaries and show them empathy.”He admitted that upon using certain tactics involving subtlety and omission, he was able to get on the good side of the authorities. “I think that the authorities saw what I was trying to say with my film, and that is why I think they have been fairly cooperative with the film. Another way is just to not use certain words and names of communities.”A CBFC source previously told The Indian Express about Homebound’s certification process. He claimed that a board member named Nagabharana had been called from Bengaluru to watch Homebound even though there were several members available in Mumbai. “He tore into Neeraj…to justify all the cuts and changes made on caste references.” Sources in Dharma also confirmed that the film had to wait for three months before getting a screening with the board.Story continues below this adBacked by names like Scorsese and Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Homebound received a 9-minute-long standing ovation at the Cannes International Film Festival 2025. It has also been chosen as the country’s official entry for next year’s Academy Awards. Directed by Ghaywan, the cast of the film includes Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jhetwa, Janhvi Kapoor.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd