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Later Sunita finds out that Rahul is in a relationship back in London but it is with a man.
This is fun filled family drama where one of the boys is actually gay but tries to hide it from his family until one day when he decides he must tell the truth.
Although, by 2017, India had seen its fair share of LGBTQIA releases, none had ever been made in Tamil - meaning “My Son is Gay” would be the first of its kind. What follows is a harrowing portrayal of a man fighting for his right to live a normal life. As Bob Dylan said, "the times are certainly a-changing." Films like Margarita with a Straw have brought thoughtful stories to the screen, exploring sexuality within the differently-abled community.
Darmiyaan: In Between (1997)
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Director: Kalpana Lajmi
- Streaming On: Not available
Plot: One of the lesser-known LGBTQIA+ films, Darmiyaan: In Between follows an actress, Zeenat Begum, who gets to know that her son, Immi, is a eunuch.
Bollywood has come a long way when it comes to the portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community on screen. Manu is a bodybuilder and owns a gym in Chandigarh, and he is preparing for a competition although his gym doesn’t seem to attract clients, that is until Zumba instructor Maanvi comes in.
Although the film is certainly not without its issues, and features a tragic end for its trans character, its examination of gender as it relates to both cis and trans individuals often feels generally respectful and appropriately complex. While all three shorts are certainly worth the watch, “Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh” is probably the installment with the most overt LGBTQ+ themes.
#5: “Daayraa (The Square Circle)” (1996)
At a time when LGBTQ+ films were scarce in Bollywood, “Daayraa” was made, providing a surprisingly sympathetic look at the life of a trans woman.
The film boldly questioned traditional roles of women and sparked strong reactions by showing their right to love and fulfilment. Rajkummar Rao is a fantastic actor and is underrated in Bollywood, it is nice to see a film that allows him to flourish and play the lead role.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.imdb.com
Pride Month 2025: Indian Queer Films You Shouldn't Miss
For years, LGBTQ+ characters in Indian films were limited to offensive clichés.
With its engaging narrative, the film was credited for making a large section of audiences aware of HIV and AIDS, and was also lauded for its sensible portrayal of homosexuality.
8. To have such prominent representation in such a successful comedy film, played by a respected actor, was said to be “a big leap forward for India’s LGBT movement.”
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#3: “Sancharram [aka “The Journey”] (2004)
In 1996, one of the first mainstream Bollywood film to feature a lesbian relationship was released, titled “Fire.” Eight years later, it would be followed by “The Journey.” Due to both films being early examples of lesbian relationships on-screen in India, the two are often compared - with “The Journey” having one significant leg up on its predecessor.
Due to its content, “Daayraa” did not receive a theatrical release in India, but screened in a number of Western countries that hailed it as a daring achievement. Despite societal taboos, the film fearlessly explores identity, acceptance, and love.
#6: “Bombay Talkies” (2013)
“Bombay Talkies” is the first in a series of anthology films by Johar, Banerjee, Akhtar and Kashyap – The shorts comprising the anthology focus primarily on issues of the modern era.
As she learns that her late son had a secret lover, Ornob, she confronts him but eventually, the two form a heart-touching bond. In the film, Laila is a teenager who suffers from cerebral palsy and after some heartbreak, she decides to move to New York to study and move in with her mother. From comedies to dramas and everything in between, these movies bring to the forefront the awareness and visibility of Queer-centered stories that we all should be watching and listening to, and learning from.
His sister, Anamika, is one of the only people who does not desert him as his health deteriorates. These films go beyond clichés and present fully developed queer characters, offering stories grounded in truth, emotion, and complexity.
In 1996, one of the first mainstream Bollywood film to feature a lesbian relationship was released, titled “Fire.” Eight years later, it would be followed by “The Journey.” Due to both films being early examples of lesbian relationships on-screen in India, the two are often compared - with “The Journey” having one significant leg up on its predecessor.
“Bombay Talkies” is the first in a series of anthology films by Johar, Banerjee, Akhtar and Kashyap – The shorts comprising the anthology focus primarily on issues of the modern era.
Indian Queer Films On OTT
Fire (1996) Amazon Prime Video
Deepa Mehta’s Fire was a groundbreaking film that addressed female desire and intimacy in a conservative Indian setting.
In 2017, the film was even ranked among the 102 best lesbian films of all time by Autostraddle.
#2: “Aligarh” (2015)
Sometimes a film just hits harder if you know it’s based on a true story. The Shonali Bose directorial treats the lesbian relationship as a natural part of Laila’s personal growth and touches upon the themes of self-love, inclusion, and self-acceptance, without being preachy.