Dharma Productions Calls Plagiarism Claims on Homebound “Baseless”

The Bollywood film Homebound has recently found itself at the centre of a major controversy. Just as the movie was gaining global recognition and acclaim, allegations of plagiarism have emerged from an unexpected quarter. Dharma Productions, the studio behind Homebound, has responded firmly, dismissing these claims as “baseless and unfounded.” In this article, we break down the key developments, what the allegations entail, and how the production house has addressed them — all while keeping an eye on facts and offering clear, informative context.

What Is Homebound and Why Is It in the Spotlight?

Homebound is a 2025 Hindi-language drama film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions. The movie portrays a human story set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 migrant crisis in India, following the emotional and physical journey of its characters during the nationwide lockdown. It stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor among others.

The film has been widely celebrated in film festivals around the world and was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Its selection for Oscar consideration brought international attention and critical acclaim — until recent events shifted the spotlight to legal controversy.

Plagiarism Allegations: What Happened?

Accusations by Puja Changoiwala

In late 2025, journalist and author Puja Changoiwala publicly accused Dharma Productions and Netflix of allegedly plagiarising her 2021 novel — also titled Homebound. According to the author, the film not only shared the same title but also bore significant similarity in plot elements, narrative structure, dialogue and scenes, particularly in the second half of the movie.

Changoiwala’s claims include the allegation that the producers misappropriated her book’s creative content without permission. Her legal team reportedly sent a detailed notice to Dharma Productions in October, outlining these similarities through a scene-by-scene comparison.

Legal Action Initiated

After the notice, the author took a further step by filing a formal legal application under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 — a required pre-institution mediation process before approaching the Bombay High Court. She is seeking remedies that include:

• A permanent injunction against the film’s distribution
• Removal of the allegedly infringing material
• A change of the film’s title
• Monetary damages for alleged copyright infringement

These actions were reportedly taken amid preparations for official legal proceedings, which may escalate into a full copyright lawsuit.

Dharma Productions’ Response to Homebound Plagiarism Claims

Statement from the Studio

Dharma Productions has strongly rejected the plagiarism allegations on Homebound, describing them as “baseless and unfounded.” The production house made its position clear in an official statement, saying that the film is not taken from Changoiwala’s book and that all creative rights were lawfully acquired.

According to Dharma:

• Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation inspired by a New York Times article by Basharat Peer, not the author’s novel.
• All requisite rights and legal permissions were acquired before the film’s making.
• The studio has duly responded to the legal notice sent by Changoiwala’s lawyer.
• There has been no formal legal communication regarding any suit, despite media reporting about a pre-suit mediation process.

Dharma Productions also emphasized that it takes intellectual property rights seriously and reiterated its intent to protect the integrity of Homebound through appropriate legal means.

What This Means for Homebound and Its Legacy

This controversy arrives at a critical moment for Homebound, which was already enjoying a wave of acclaim due to its festival screenings, Oscar shortlist and audience reception. The allegations and legal dispute could influence public perception and industry discussions, especially regarding creative ownership and copyright protections in filmmaking.

Industry Reactions and Wider Context

While no major industry figures have publicly taken sides, the allegations sparked discussion among film communities and audiences. Issues of copyright, inspiration, and adaptation often stir debate, particularly in a creative industry where balancing artistic freedom with respect for original works is essential.

At this stage, the legal process is ongoing, and both sides are preparing their cases. Until a court issues a ruling or settlement emerges, the plagiarism claims will remain allegations, and Dharma Productions maintains its position of denial.

Conclusion

The plagiarism controversy surrounding Homebound highlights the complexities of intellectual property in today’s content-driven world. While the author claims that elements of her novel were copied, Dharma Productions insists the film is a legitimate adaptation based on independently sourced material. The studio’s rejection of plagiarism claims as baseless has added a strong statement to the public record.

As legal proceedings move forward, the dispute will be watched closely — not just by fans of Homebound but by creators, producers and legal observers interested in the evolving landscape of copyright and creativity in cinema.

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