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A fresh controversy has erupted in Bollywood after author and journalist Puja Changoiwala accused Dharma Productions of allegedly plagiarising her 2021 novel Homebound. The production house led by Karan Johar and backed by Adar Poonawalla has now responded strongly calling the allegations “baseless and unfounded.” The issue came to light just days after the release of Homebound directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The film which recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is also in the Oscar race now finds itself at the centre of a legal and public debate. What did Dharma Productions say? In an official statement shared with Hindustan Times Dharma Productions firmly denied all allegations of plagiarism. The production house stated that Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation inspired by a New York Times article written by Basharat Peer and that all rights were obtained legally. “The allegations of copyright infringement are baseless and unfounded. Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation and due credit has been given wherever required” the statement read. Dharma also confirmed that it received a legal notice from the author in October and that the matter was duly responded to by their legal team. What is the legal status of the case? The production house further clarified that while it has learned through media reports about a possible pre-suit mediation at the Bombay High Court no official legal communication has been received so far. “We have become aware of the alleged legal proceedings only through media reports. We are exploring all legal options to protect the integrity of our film” the statement added. What are the author’s allegations? Earlier this week Puja Changoiwala claimed that Homebound closely mirrors her 2021 novel of the same name. According to her the film does not just share the title but also allegedly copies key plot points scenes character arcs and emotional beats from her book. In her statement to the press the author alleged that significant portions of the film’s narrative and structure resemble her original work prompting her to initiate legal action against Dharma Productions and Netflix. Why is the issue gaining attention? The controversy has gained traction because Homebound has already received international attention including a screening at the Cannes Film Festival and is now being positioned as a strong awards-season contender. The involvement of big names like Karan Johar Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor has further amplified public interest. As of now Dharma Productions has stood firm on its stance asserting that all creative and legal protocols were followed. With both sides holding their ground the coming weeks may determine whether the dispute remains a war of words or moves firmly into the courtroom. For now the film continues to stream while the industry watches closely how the controversy unfolds.