Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Stories in Cinema This Pride Month
Exploring LGBTQIA+ Narratives in Indian Cinema
As Pride Month kicks off, cinema continues to play a vital role in raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ themes. Over the years, Indian films have increasingly embraced narratives that highlight the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. This June, film lovers are encouraged to revisit some remarkable films that delve into same-sex relationships and their intricacies. Notable mentions include Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar's Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and the award-winning Sabar Bonda, both of which are essential viewing.
Loev
Loev, featuring Shiv Panditt, Dhruv Ganesh, and Siddharth Menon, tells the story of three men—Sahil, Alex, and Jai. Sahil invites his childhood friend Jai, a successful businessman from New York, for a weekend trip to the Western Ghats. Their romantic feelings for each other complicate when Alex enters the picture, creating tension in their relationship. Directed by Sudhanshu Saria, Loev is available for streaming on Netflix.
Badhaai Do
Starring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, Badhaai Do explores the concept of lavender marriages. The characters Sumi and Shardul are compelled to marry while concealing their true identities from their families. They support each other as friends throughout their journey. You can watch Badhaai Do on Netflix.
Cobalt Blue
Cobalt Blue, featuring Prateik Babbar, Dr Neelay Mehendale, and Anjali Sivaraman, revolves around the Dixit family, who welcome a guest into their home. Based on Sachin Kundalkar's acclaimed novel, the film follows Tanay and Anuja as they both fall for the same person. Their journey of self-discovery begins after he leaves them. This film is also available on Netflix.
Sabar Bonda
Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, Sabar Bonda (or Cactus Pear) follows Anand (Bhushaan Manoj) as he returns to his village for a mourning period after his father's passing. During his stay, he reconnects with his childhood friend Balya (Suraaj Suman), a local farmer. This touching story can be streamed on Netflix.
Margarita with a Straw
Margarita with a Straw tells the story of Laila Kapoor, a Delhi University student with cerebral palsy. She relocates to New York for her studies, where she falls for both Jared and Khanum, a blind girl of Pakistani Bangladeshi descent. As she navigates her feelings, her relationships become complicated, especially after Khanum learns about Laila's closeness to Jared. This film is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan
Set in a small North Indian town, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan follows the love story of Kartik Singh and Aman Tripathi, who face familial opposition to their same-sex relationship. They strive to gain acceptance from their families. This film can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video.
Happy Pride Month to everyone celebrating!