Archive · 28 May 2025
Homebound: Basharat Peer's Essay Turned into Cannes Film
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a journalist named Basharat Peer wrote an essay about two Indian workers, Saiyub and Amrit, who were trying to get home.
The essay highlighted their friendship during a time of hardship and social division.
This story has now been made into a film called 'Homebound,' directed by Neeraj Ghaywan.
The film was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.
Peer's experience meeting Saiyub and his family during the pandemic was crucial.
The film explores themes of friendship and overcoming adversity.
Peer is also known for his memoir, 'Curfewed Night,' which was adapted into the film 'Haider.'
Basharat Peer's essay inspired the film 'Homebound,' which premiered at Cannes.
The story focuses on the friendship of Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar during the pandemic.
The original essay appeared in The New York Times.
Peer's memoir 'Curfewed Night' was adapted into the film 'Haider'.
The film highlights socio-political fault lines in India during the pandemic.
- Who
- Basharat Peer, Mohammad Saiyub, Amrit Kumar, Neeraj Ghaywan.
- What
- A film adaptation of Basharat Peer's essay focusing on the friendship of two workers in India.
- When
- During the COVID-19 pandemic; the film premiered at Cannes in 2025.
- Where
- India, specifically Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To document the friendship of Saiyub and Amrit amid hardship and social division during the pandemic.
- Source Material
- Basharat Peer's essay published in The New York Times
- Film Inspired By
- Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound'
- Central Theme
- The friendship between Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar
- Film Showcase
- Cannes Film Festival 2025
- Setting
- Pandemic era in India
- Saiyub's Character
- Actor Ishaan Khattar