Cannes spotlight on MP with film on tests & plight of pandemic migrants
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh and Bhopal are in the spotlight with
Neeraj Ghaywan
's lockdown-era film 'Homebound'. Filmed in and around Bhopal, the feature was screened at the prestigious Cannes film festival recently to great acclaim.
The film is inspired by the real-life case of two migrant friends, a Dalit and a Muslim man, and their struggles to reach home during the pandemic, while crossing Madhya Pradesh.
'Homebound' was selected in the 'Un Certain Regard' section of the film festival, marking India's sole representation in this esteemed category. The film received a nine-minute standing ovation from international filmmakers, directors, artists, and audiences.
Oscar-winner Martin Scorsese, the director behind critically-acclaimed and cult classics 'Taxi Driver' and 'Goodfellas', served as the executive producer and the collaboration has lent the film further credibility, making it one of the most anticipated films of 2025.
The success highlights MP's creative potential and its position as a prime filming destination. 'Homebound' was extensively filmed across Bhopal and its surrounding areas in 2024, utilising the region's natural landscapes, its serene and quiet beauty, which provided authenticity to the text of the film.
The film's international recognition validates the state's film-friendly policies and location suitability.
TOI covered the incident the film is based on in May 2020 under the report with the headline 'Dying migrant forced out of truck, friend sticks with him till last breath', which covered how Mohd. Yakoob stood by his friend Amrit Kumar's side against all odds, even after the latter's death at a time when migrants in great numbers were trying to reach their home.
The film is an adaptation of journalist Basharat Peer's article 'A Friendship, A Pandemic & A Death Beside The Highway', which tells of the same case. Produced by Dharma Productions under
Karan Johar
's leadership, 'Homebound' marks their fifth project in MP.
The film, directed by Ghaywan, previously acclaimed for 'Masaan', which also screened at Cannes, features Ishaan Khattar, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The production team praised MP's diverse locations and support, expressing interest in future collaborations.
S
tate tourism minister Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi extended congratulations to the 'Homebound' team. The govt pledges continued support to attract more national and international productions. Principal secretary tourism and culture, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, commended the film's achievement. He highlighted MP's advantages: attractive locations, supportive local communities, and a robust film ecosystem.
The state offers special assistance and streamlined permissions, welcoming filmmakers to realise their creative visions.
The state's new film tourism policy has simplified production processes through a single-window system and subsidies. The state earned the 'Most Film Friendly State' award in 2022.
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