Dharma, Netflix's 'Homebound' plagiarized 2021 novel? Lawsuit explained

Author and journalist Puja Changoiwala has filed a lawsuit against Dharma Productions and Netflix India, claiming that their film 'Homebound' plagiarizes her 2021 novel of the same name. Changoiwala alleges significant portions of her book, which details the 2020 COVID-19 migrant exodus, were reproduced in the film’s second half, including scenes, dialogue, and narrative structure. She initially sent a legal notice on October 15th, but claims the producers ignored the violation.

Changoiwala is now pursuing legal proceedings under the Commercial Courts Act, seeking a permanent injunction against the film’s distribution, removal of infringing material, a title change, and damages. 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.”

Dharma Productions responded through a spokesperson, stating they are responding to the claim legally and have no further comment. 'Homebound,' starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, was India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards and made the December shortlist, with the filmmakers crediting Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times article as a source material.

(Source：Newsbytes)