A few weeks ago, I saw Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed second film, ‘Homebound’, in a theatre in Kolkata. It was a visceral experience that cut through my caste complacency and class privilege like a razor blade. As the credits rolled, I sat quietly in the cool, air-conditioned space, fighting back tears. I was not alone; I noticed many others around me who also appeared deeply moved by what we had just witnessed.
From the endless wait for entry-level government jobs, casteist micro-aggressions and increased scrutiny at workplaces, to the everyday indignities faced by many Chandans, Shoaibs, and Sudhas across the country, Homebound speaks to this specific moment in India in a way few Indian films have spoken in recent years. It succeeds in being one of Indian cinema’s most searing portraits of friendship and inequality, perhaps precisely because it is not about any specific social issue. It is about Chandan and Shoaib, their lifelong friendship, and the love they have for each other and the people in their lives.
Neeraj Ghaywan has transformed a photo of two friends into a powerful reflection on friendship and caste, while musician Som has released a bold mixtape mixing hyperpop with 2000s Bollywood nostalgia. Indian truck art is experiencing a revival through Bili Hu’s latest coffee project, and hearty sandwiches are being served at Franko’s Deli in Andheri. Indian food and design are converging in exciting and unexpected ways. For those craving the city’s lively atmosphere, Greater Than Gin’s Bars From Far festival is back in Bangalore, featuring the best bars and music acts in one vibrant event.
Whether you’re looking to discover what’s brewing in India’s cultural underground or seeking your next weekend plan, here’s what we have for you this week:
How A Photograph Of Two Friends Inspired Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’
In the hands of another filmmaker, Homebound might have been a straightforward pandemic drama about loss and displacement. But Neeraj Ghaywan elevates the story into something far more layered — a film about friendship, love, and the invisible hierarchies that define Indian life. Drawing from a real photograph of two friends taken during the 2020 lockdown, Homebound examines how caste and communal identities quietly shape daily experience. Rather than foregrounding social critique, Ghaywan lets tenderness and intimacy do the talking, making Homebound one of the year’s most affecting portraits of solidarity and survival. Homebound is currently playing in theatres across the country.
Som.’s New Mixtape Is A Generational Blend Of Hyperpop, R&B, & 2000s Bollywood Pastiche
Across its sub-twenty-minute runtime, Som.’s new mixtape Lover On Rent captures the fractured moods of a generation raised online — equal parts chaotic, funny, and yearning. “Were you born out of your father’s ass?” Som. deadpans on one of the record’s most viral ad-libs, before breaking into a hook that fuses nostalgia and irreverence in equal measure. With glitchy beats, R&B melodies, and Bollywood samples that feel like childhood radio ghosts, Som. turns cultural clutter into catharsis. Read Disha’s full review here.
Bili Hu x All India Permit Latest Collab Spotlights Indian Truck Art Through Coffee
This month, Bili Hu partnered with All India Permit (AIP) to create a cultural bridge. They produced a 100% Arabica medium roast with notes of sweet berries and roasted nuts, travelling from India’s plantations to the Netherlands via truckers vital to India’s supply chains.
Each pack features the Drishti Bommai (Nazar Battu), a hand-painted motif by the late truck artist Raj Dongre. Traditionally seen on the bumpers of Indian trucks, this symbol is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune on long journeys. Its presence on a bag of coffee ties together two worlds. Indian trucks have long doubled as canvases, painted with everything from devotional symbols to film stars. Truck art gave drivers — who spend most of their lives on the road — a way to express identity. Learn more here.
Franko’s Deli — Andheri West’s Hottest Sandwich Shop
Franko’s Deli — The Sandwich Shop, located in Amboli, Andheri West, is quickly becoming Mumbai’s favourite place for hearty, meat-filled sandwiches prepared expertly. As a cloud kitchen, it requires pre-orders and coordination with delivery partners like Borzo or Porter, but the effort is well worth it. Their generously stuffed sandwiches, such as the Pastrami Sandwich and Smoked Tenderloin Steak Sandwich, highlight high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship. Though still developing, Franko’s stands out for infusing traditional deli-style flavours into a city craving bold, beefy snacks. For sandwich enthusiasts in Mumbai, this spot is definitely worth the pursuit. Pre-order here.
Bars From Far by Greater Than Gin Returns to Bangalore!
India’s most exciting cocktail festival returns for its second edition, uniting nine top Indian bars and bartenders. Guests can enjoy innovative cocktails, tasty food pop-ups, and an eclectic mix of electronic, disco, Afro, and house music. The festival features bars from Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, including Pablos, Bombay Daak, and Primitive, along with Nao Spirits’ MTW Bar and Toasties. Live performances by Gndhi, Stalvart John + Arun Sivag, and others make Bars From Far a vibrant weekend of drinks, music, and great company — all without the need for a bar crawl.
If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:
On Our Radar: 4 Indian Brands Redefining Sustainable Design
The Alchemy Of Thought & Image: Homegrown Editorial Photographers On Our Radar
Between Longing & Light: The Liminal Image-Making Practice Of Amit Mali