Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{191406,
        author = {Divya Sheta and Dr. Vishal Pandya},
        title = {Social Realism in Contemporary Indian Cinema: A Comparative Reading of Newton and Homebound},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {},
        volume = {12},
        number = {no},
        pages = {1389-1393},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=191406},
        abstract = {This study explores the significance and role of realism in contemporary Indian films by comparing Newton (2017), directed by Amit V. Masurkar, and Homebound (2021), directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. Each film delves from the ceremonial approach. Both directors employ a realistic, grounded aesthetic featuring authentic performances and genuine settings to center on the daily experiences of marginalized and ordinary individuals while emphasizing urgent socio-political concerns. This research situates both films in Referencing of theoretical perspectives on cinematic realism articulated by André Bazin and Siegfried Kracauer, also included the insights from Indian parallel cinema and subaltern studies. Newton examines the challenges of elections rights in a volatile tribal area, highlighting the disparity between stated principles and actual conditions. In contrast, Homebound emphasizes the emotional and financial challenges faced by youth in modern India as they navigate moving, belonging, and their aspirations for the future. To grasp this, the study thoroughly examines film components such as narrative structure, character progression, and audio design. Through qualitative textual analysis and leveraging established film theories alongside the history of Indian parallel cinema, this study contends that Newton and Homebound signify a noteworthy revival of realistic filmmaking in India. This movement disputes conventional narratives and reasserts cinema's ability as a means for social and political examination.},
        keywords = {Realism, Indian Cinema, Contemporary Indian films, André Bazin, Siegfried Kracauer},
        month = {},
        }