A reel has recently gone viral on social media, claiming that Homebound is a frame-to-frame copy of another film. This has left many fans surprised and curious. The video has sparked fresh debate around originality.
Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions, was India’s official entry for the Oscars. The film stayed in the spotlight for a long time. Now, the viral reel has brought it back into discussion.
The claim suggests that Homebound closely resembles a 2021 film titled Dihadi: Walking Back to Home. This has raised questions among viewers. Many are now comparing both films to understand the similarities.
Dihadi: Walking Back to Home is a Hindi drama directed by Mayukha Patel and Nidhi Patel. It focuses on the struggles of migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown in India. The story follows a daily wage worker trying to return to Uttar Pradesh.
Interestingly, this storyline appears quite similar to the narrative of Homebound. This overlap has added fuel to the ongoing discussion. Viewers are debating whether it is coincidence or something more.
Earlier, an author had also claimed that her book had a similar plot to Homebound. She alleged that Dharma used her idea without giving credit. However, those claims faded over time and did not gain lasting attention.
It is important to note that these stories, including Homebound, are based on a New York Times essay by journalist Basharat Peer. The essay is titled “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway.” This shared source could explain the similarities.
Since the source material is common, some resemblance in storytelling is expected. However, claims of a frame-to-frame copy raise serious concerns. If true, it could impact the film’s credibility.
This situation also brings up larger questions about originality in cinema. Big production houses often promote films as unique stories. Such controversies make audiences rethink those claims.
Critics believe that if these allegations have any truth, it reflects poorly on major studios like Dharma Productions. It also highlights the need for proper credit. Recognising original creators is important for the industry.
As per this reel on Instagram, Homebound is frame to frame copy of a lesser known movie Dihadi (2021) ‼️ pic.twitter.com/W7J4lmmSA1
— BollyGupp (@BollyGup) March 16, 2026
