India Oscar Entry Homebound Facing Copyright Infringement

Author and journalist Puja Changoiwala has initiated legal action against Dharma Productions and Netflix India, alleging that their film "Homebound" plagiarizes her 2021 novel of the same name. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, explores the COVID-19 migrant exodus of 2020 and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.

Changoiwala claims that significant portions of her book have been reproduced in the film's second half, including scenes, dialogue, narrative structure, and sequence of events. She alleges that the producers misappropriated her title and blatantly copied her work, prompting her to take legal action.

After watching the film, Changoiwala's lawyer sent a legal notice to Dharma Productions on October 15, detailing the infringement. However, the producers allegedly refused to acknowledge the violation. Changoiwala is now seeking a permanent injunction against Homebound's distribution, removal of infringing material, a change in the film's title, and damages for copyright infringement.

"We are responding to the claim legally and cannot comment anything right now," said a spokesperson for Dharma Productions. The film was selected as India's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and made it to the December shortlist.