Martin Scorsese Opens Up in Exclusive ‘Homebound’ Discussion

Martin Scorsese recently participated in an intimate dialogue with director Neeraj Ghaywan, reflecting on their collaboration for the film “Homebound,” India’s official entry for the Academy Awards’ international feature category, following a special New York screening. The Martin Scorsese Homebound discussion highlighted the celebrated director’s multi-year involvement and the shared cinematic passion between Scorsese and Ghaywan.

Behind-the-Scenes Collaboration Blossoms Into Friendship

This in-depth conversation, hosted by Scorsese after the screening, revealed that his involvement with “Homebound” started while he was still immersed in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The connection between Scorsese and Ghaywan, facilitated by French cinema figure Melita Toscan Du Plantier—whom Ghaywan affectionately calls his Cinema Fairy Godmother—was central to the film’s journey. Toscan Du Plantier’s role as co-producer of “Homebound” and her previous work on Ghaywan’s film “Masaan” were instrumental in uniting the two filmmakers.

Among the audience were well-known supporters such as filmmaker Mira Nair, actor Kal Penn, television host Padma Lakshmi, and “Homebound” cast members Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. The event underscored the broad network rallied behind India’s Oscar hope.

Maintaining Secrecy and Emotional Connections

Throughout production, the team kept Scorsese’s contributions confidential by referring to him using the code word “elder brother,” ensuring his input remained under wraps from scripting through the final edit. Director Neeraj Ghaywan expressed the emotional weight of the moment with Scorsese, saying,

“Sitting across from you is the peak of that journey and the most meaningful moment of my cinematic journey, the highest peak of my cinematic career,”

Neeraj Ghaywan, Director.

Ghaywan continued with,

“This right here, sitting across from you is the biggest reward for me.”

Neeraj Ghaywan, Director.

Scorsese’s Reflections and Lasting Commitment

Scorsese recounted his enduring relationship with “Homebound,” providing feedback on the script even as he managed the demands of his own lengthy production. He openly shared,

“I’ve been living with it for about three years,”

Martin Scorsese, Executive Producer.

He also made clear his hopes for the film’s reach, stating,

“I love the audiences in America to see this picture because I know that it’s based on a real story.”

Martin Scorsese, Executive Producer.

The Story’s Origins and Universal Message

The film draws inspiration from a New York Times essay by Basharat Peer, chronicling the experiences of Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar. However, Ghaywan’s narrative direction focused on the shared experiences of migration and the search for dignity rather than adopting a purely didactic style. Scorsese himself acknowledged this distinction, describing the film as steering away from a “ponderous kind of lecture.”

Ghaywan elaborated on the universality of the film’s themes, explaining,

“I used this as a springboard to talk about something that affected me, that is universal in thought, that why do migrants leave their homes?”

Neeraj Ghaywan, Director.

Highlighting the dramatic scale of internal migration in India, Ghaywan pointed out that 500 to 600 million people—many from marginalized communities—seek dignity and opportunity through government employment.

An Unforgettable Journey Through Friendship and Resilience

“Homebound” tells the story of two close friends, one Dalit and the other Muslim, as they traverse India as migrant laborers during the pandemic. Their journey explores the trials of friendship, the quest for belonging, and the human need for dignity, resonating with the stories of millions within the country.

As “Homebound” gains international attention, its Martin Scorsese Homebound discussion offers a testament to the film’s heartfelt impact. With support from names like Kal Penn, Mira Nair, and Ishaan Khatter alongside the creative guidance of Melita Toscan Du Plantier, the project stands as a window into contemporary Indian society and the enduring power of collaborative cinema. The future holds promise for “Homebound,” as audiences worldwide are invited to witness its moving story of migration, connection, and hope.