Dharma Productions is facing allegations of plagiarism concerning its film 'Homebound,' directed by Neeraj Ghaywan,

adding to the growing discourse around intellectual property rights in the Indian entertainment industry. Author and

journalist Puja Changoiwala has claimed that the film infringes upon her 2021 novel of the same name, alleging misuse of

the title and substantial portions of the book's content.

Dharma Productions has firmly denied these allegations, stating that 'Homebound' is an officially licensed adaptation

inspired by a New York Times article by Basharat Peer. The production house asserts that all necessary rights were

lawfully acquired and due credit was provided. This defense underscores a critical aspect of filmmaking: the acquisition

and clearance of rights for adapted material.

The controversy highlights the increasing vigilance surrounding copyright infringement in the film industry. As

Bollywood increasingly looks to adapt literary works and other source materials, the legal framework governing these

adaptations is coming under greater scrutiny. The case also demonstrates the potential risks involved in using similar

titles, even if the underlying content differs.

Neeraj Ghaywan, the director of 'Homebound,' is known for his critically acclaimed film 'Masaan' (2015), which explored

themes of grief, morality, and social injustice. His transition into directing a film with significant production

backing like 'Homebound' marks a notable point in his career, bringing him into a different realm of commercial

filmmaking, and with it, the potential for larger scale legal challenges.

The legal notice received by Dharma Productions and the potential for further legal action underscores the seriousness

of the situation. The production house has stated it is exploring its own legal options to protect the integrity of the

film. This situation also raises questions about the role of streaming platforms like Netflix, which distribute films

potentially subject to copyright disputes. Netflix has been named in the legal action initiated by Puja Changoiwala.

Regardless of the outcome, the 'Homebound' controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough due diligence

in securing adaptation rights and the potential legal ramifications of copyright infringement in the entertainment

industry. The incident also highlights the growing awareness among creators regarding their intellectual property rights

and their willingness to pursue legal recourse when those rights are perceived to be violated.