In the world of cinema, we often talk about “scale” in terms of budget, VFX, or the number of stars on screen. But recently, acclaimed director Anurag Basu reminded us that true scale is measured by the depth of human emotion. After watching the documentary Homebound, Basu shared a sentiment that resonated deeply with the creative community: he felt “small.”
For someone who spends his life creating worlds, Basu’s reaction wasn’t about a lack of technical skill. Instead, it was an admission of how reality—when captured with honesty—can overshadow any scripted drama.
Homebound follows the harrowing journey of migrant workers during the lockdown, a time when the world stood still for some, but became a desperate race for survival for others. Basu noted that while filmmakers often try to “beautify” struggle or find a cinematic arc in pain, Homebound offered no such comforts. It was raw, unpolished, and devastatingly real.
When a creator says they feel small after seeing someone else’s work, it usually stems from three things. The sheer resilience of the people documented makes our daily professional “stresses” feel trivial. It forces a realization of whether one’s own work is contributing to the social fabric or just providing fleeting entertainment.
Homebound didn’t need a massive crew or a soaring musical score to break hearts. It just needed a lens pointed at the truth.
Basu said, “As filmmakers, we often think we are telling big stories. But then you see a film like Homebound, and you realize the biggest stories are the ones happening on the dusty roads we drive past.” — Refining the essence of Basu’s sentiment.
Basu’s public appreciation for the film does more than just boost a documentary; it bridges the gap between mainstream Bollywood and independent, socially-conscious filmmaking. It serves as a reminder to the industry that the most “spectacular” thing a director can do is hold up a mirror to society, even if what we see in that mirror is uncomfortable.
By admitting he felt small, Anurag Basu actually grew in the eyes of his audience. It takes a big person to acknowledge when a story is more important than the storyteller.
The documentary highlights the “invisible” population that keeps cities running. Real-life tragedies don’t need “filmy” embellishments to be impactful. Basu’s reaction sparks a conversation about what kind of stories deserve our attention. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
