Is 'Homebound's' Production House And Netflix Getting Sued? Author Says, 'Blatantly Reproduced...'

Director, Neeraj Ghaywan's film, Homebound, had its theatrical release in India on September 26, 2025. The film enjoyed a lot of success soon after it hit the screens due to its stellar cast and an even amazing and unique storyline. After its global release on Netflix on November 21, 2025, viewers of the film skyrocketed even more. Recently, it was also announced that Homebound has been selected as India's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Sadly, this is where all the good news has halted for the film because currently, in a shocking turn of events, journalist and author, Puja Changoiwala has moved to take legal action against its production house, Dharma Productions, and streamer, Netflix Entertainment India.  

Puja Changoiwala's allegations of copyright infringement against Homebound  

It's only been a few days since Homebound earned itself a covered spot on the Oscars shortlist. But this is not the only reason that you might have noticed the film making headlines. According to an email that author, Puja Changoiwala, sent to Hindustan Times, she revealed that she has watched Homebound. While watching the film, she observed several uncanny similarities between her novel of the same name, which she published in 2021, and the film. She alleged that the subject of both her novel and the film “is the COVID-19 migrant exodus of 2020.” In her words: 

“Upon watching the film, I discovered that the producers have not only misappropriated the title of my book, but have also blatantly reproduced substantial portions of my novel in the second half of the film—including its scenes, dialogue, narrative structure, sequence of events, and other creative expressions.” 

This led Puja's lawyer to issue a legal notice on her behalf to Homebound's production house, Dharma Productions, on October 15, 2025, “providing a detailed, scene-by-scene account of their infringement of (her) rights.” According to the author, even after this, instead of coming to an amicable settlement, the film's producers “refused to acknowledge the violation” in their replies. Left with no choice, Puja has now proceeded with legal action by filing an application with the Maharashtra State Legal Services under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, against Dharma Productions and Netflix India.  

In her email to the publication, the author further accused Homebound's producers of misrepresentation. According to her, Dharma “committed a flagrant act of passing off” by using the same title as her novel. Puja claims that such similar titles “cannot be a coincidence.” She backed her claims by noting that while her novel came out in 2021, the film's script was developed a year later in 2022, giving them plenty of time to copy her work. She stated: 

“I know I’m challenging powerful entities by taking this step, but I believe it’s important for writers to defend their work when it's misappropriated and exploited without their consent.” 

Dharma Productions refused to comment on Puja Changoiwala's allegations  

Although Puja's allegations against Homebound are capturing all the headlines, Dharma Productions has remained calm and has not issued an official statement as of now. According to a spokesperson for the production house, they are currently working to respond to the “claim legally and comment anything right now.”  

What are your thoughts on author, Puja Changoiwala threatening legal action against Dharma Productions and Netflix? Let us know.  

Also read: Tanya Mittal's Mother Slams 'Bigg Boss 19' Makers For Targeting Her Daughter, 'Aap Ek Hi Ladki Ko..'

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