Journalist and author Puja Changoiwala has launched legal proceedings against Dharma Productions Private Limited and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP, alleging that the critically acclaimed film Homebound illegally plagiarizes her 2021 novel of the same name.
Author initiates legal action against Dharma Productions, Netflix for copyright infringement in home country
The legal action, filed as a mandatory pre-institutional application for mediation under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, precedes the formal action that Changoiwala intends to file in the Bombay High Court.
Changoiwala claims that “Homebound”, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, not only adopts the title of her novel but also reproduces significant parts of her work in the second half of the film – including scenes, dialogues, narrative structure and sequence of events.
Corresponding to Hindustan Times, she said, “On viewing the film, I found that the producers not only misappropriated the title of my book, but also brazenly reproduced essential parts of my novel in the second half of the film – including its scenes, dialogues, narrative structure, sequence of events and other creative expressions.”
The author’s legal team issued a detailed legal notice to Dharma Productions on October 15, outlining the alleged violations on a scene-by-scene basis. Changoiwala claims the producers “refused to acknowledge the breach” in their responses to the notice, prompting her to use formal legal channels.
Changoiwala also claims that the timing of the film’s development suggests prior knowledge of her book, claiming that the screenplay for Homebound was written in 2022, a year after the publication of her novel. He further argues that Dharma’s use of the same title constitutes an “obvious act of passing” that “cannot be a coincidence”.
What is Changoiwala looking for in court?
In his lawsuit, Changoiwala seeks a number of remedies, including a permanent ban on distribution of the film, the removal of all allegedly infringing material, a title change, and monetary damages for the alleged copyright infringement.
Acknowledging the challenge of confronting prominent industry entities, 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 used without their consent.”
Homebound recently grabbed international attention as it was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, representing India among the final 15 nominees.
Did Dharma Productions respond?
Dharma Productions declined to comment on the allegations, with a spokesperson saying the company is “responding to the allegations legally and cannot comment at this time.” Netflix has not issued any public response at this stage.
The legal dispute comes amid critical acclaim for Homebound, including screenings at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and acclaim at international festivals, underscoring the high stakes of the controversy as it unfolds.
