India’s Oscar 2026 Entry ‘Homebound’ Accused of Plagiarism; Author Puja Changoiwala Alleges Neeraj Ghaywan’s Critically Acclaimed Film Copies Her 2021 Novel
Days after getting shortlisted at Oscars 2026 for the Best International Feature category, Neeraj Ghaywan critically acclaimed film 'Homebound', starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa has been accused of plagiarism by author and journalist Puja Changoiwala.
The critically lauded film Homebound, which recently secured a coveted spot on the Academy Awards shortlist for the Best International Feature category, is now facing serious allegations of plagiarism. Author Puja Changoiwala publicly accused the filmmakers this week of extensively borrowing plot points, character arcs, and thematic elements from her 2021 novel, Homebound, sparking a significant controversy just as the film gains momentum in the awards circuit. ‘Homebound’ Movie Review: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa Are Incredible in Neeraj Ghaywan’s Heart-Wrenching Portrait of Friendship and Survival (LatestLY Exclusive).
Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Accused of Plagiarism
Puja Changoiwala, a respected journalist and novelist, is preparing to approach the Bombay High Court claiming that Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound was unlawfully copied from her 2021 novel, also titled Homebound. She asserts that Homebound, a drama film centred on two childhood friends who attempt to clear the police exam. In an email to Hindustan Times, the filmmaker confirmed that her lawyer had sent a legal notice to Dharma Production and Netflix India.
'Homebound' and Its Oscar Recognition
Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has garnered significant critical acclaim since its release. Lauded for its suspenseful narrative and strong performances, its inclusion on the Oscar shortlist was widely seen as a strong indicator of a potential nomination, positioning it as a frontrunner in a competitive category.
Industry Response and Future Implications
Representatives for Homebound and its production company have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the allegations, with initial reports suggesting they are "reviewing the claims." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which oversees the Oscars, has established protocols for addressing such disputes, though it typically refrains from commenting on ongoing legal or ethical controversies unless a formal complaint directly impacts eligibility. Oscars 2026: Karan Johar’s 'Homebound' Shortlisted for Best International Feature Film; KJo Says He’s ‘Over the Moon’ (View Post).
Plagiarism allegations, particularly at this critical stage of awards season, can significantly impact a film's reputation and its chances for further accolades. While such claims are not uncommon in Hollywood, their timing, just weeks before final Oscar nominations are announced, adds an extra layer of scrutiny to Homebound's acclaimed screenplay. The film industry now watches closely to see how these serious accusations will unfold and what precedent they might set for originality in filmmaking.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2025 06:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).