In his note, the director explained that the amount of ₹10,000 was never meant as full payment. It was, in fact, a small personal gesture years ago, during his research for the film.
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Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, whose latest film ‘Homebound’ is getting critical acclaim, has responded strongly to the rumours about him paying only ₹10,000 to the family whose story inspired the movie.
The film, which has been praised by critics for its honest storytelling, was caught up in controversy after reports claimed that the real-life family behind the story was underpaid.
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On Friday, Ghaywan decided to put an end to the speculation by sharing a detailed statement on his X account (formerly Twitter).
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Some of you have expressed concerns about reports claiming that the family whose life inspired Homebound was compensated with a mere ₹10,000—a shamefully low amount. I want to clarify that this sum was a small token I personally gave to Ram Charan ji (Amrit’s father) many years…
— Neeraj Ghaywan (@ghaywan) October 3, 2025
In his note, the director explained that the amount of ₹10,000 was never meant as full payment. It was, in fact, a small personal gesture years ago, during his research for the film.
“I gave this sum to Ram Charan ji, Amrit’s father, when I first met him while working on the story,” Ghaywan wrote. “It was simply a token of gratitude, a parting gift at that moment. It should not be confused with the actual support we later extended.”
Ghaywan was clear that the real arrangement with the family was far more respectful and meaningful. He emphasized that both he and the producers of ‘Homebound’ valued the contribution of the family deeply and offered them proper support.
“We have honoured their trust and their stories with sincerity,” he said. “The family has shared their happiness with me, and I don’t wish to put a number on that. To me, doing so would reduce the bond I share with Amrit and Saiyub, the original heroes of ‘Homebound’.”
The filmmaker also addressed the emotional side of the criticism. He said he understood why people were upset. But he stressed that the truth was very different from what was being circulated.
“Neither I nor the producers would ever treat a personal story with such insensitivity,” he added.
‘Homebound’, his latest directorial work, has struck a chord with audiences because of its sensitive portrayal of friendship and inequality. The film tells the story of Shoaib, a Muslim boy, and Chandan, a Dalit boy. The two grow up together while fighting against caste and religious prejudices in society. It shows their struggles to find dignity and a place in a world that constantly reminds them of their identities.
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