Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s official entry for the Oscars, is set to release in theatres on September 26. However, Indian audiences won’t see the film in its original form. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ordered multiple cuts, sparking anger among fans and crew members.
A crew member claimed the film was “destroyed in parts” due to the board’s demands, which reportedly targeted several caste-related references. The team revealed that the project had to wait nearly three months just to secure a screening date, which was described as hostile.
The controversy has left fans furious. Many argue that Dharma Productions and the makers should have challenged the CBFC legally instead of accepting the cuts. Some believe the decision to comply was a business call, prioritising release over authenticity.
The irony is hard to ignore. A film chosen to represent India on the global stage, after winning multiple international awards, will not be screened in its intended form at home. Critics say the CBFC appears comfortable with the world watching India’s realities but hesitant to let Indian audiences see them.
