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6d ago

Dharma Productions Denies Plagiarism Allegations as Author Pushes ‘Homebound’ Dispute Into Mediation

The studio maintains the Oscar-shortlisted film is a licensed adaptation of a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer.

Anurag Basu spoke about Homebound at length.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan and cast members Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor and producer Karan Johar during the screening of Homebound at Cannes.
Karan Johar, Janhvi Kapoor, Neeraj Ghaywan, Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter pose during a photocall for the film Homebound at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
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Overview

  • Author Puja Changoiwala filed a Section 12A pre-institution mediation application on December 23 with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority after sending a detailed notice on October 15.
  • She alleges the film copies her 2021 novel Homebound, claiming the title and substantial elements in the second half—scenes, dialogue, structure and sequencing—are reproduced.
  • Her requested remedies include a permanent halt to distribution, removal of allegedly infringing material, a change of title and monetary damages, with a preliminary claim reported at Rs 1 crore.
  • Dharma Productions calls the claims baseless, says it lawfully acquired rights to the Basharat Peer article, confirms it responded to the October notice and says it has not received formal mediation communication.
  • The film credits Peer as a co-writer, continues streaming on Netflix and remains on the Academy’s International Feature shortlist while the legal process proceeds.