Kaathal - The Core: 7 Must-Watch Indian Films on Queerness

Mammootty and Jyotika's film Kaathal- The Core has been praised as a nuanced yet poignant portrayal of a sensitive and hushed social issue. The plot revolves around a closeted gay man in a heterosexual marriage whose reluctant by-election candidacy is thwarted by his wife of 20 years’ desire for a divorce.The film has opened a discourse on the struggle and shame wrapped around homosexuality that persists in India. But Kaathal is hardly the first film to touch upon this topic. Several regional films have attempted to shed light on the issues surrounding LGBTQI+ relationships. In today’s List Hai Toh Hit Hai episode, we have curated a list of films that have sensitively portrayed the challenges and joys of alternative sexualities and gender identities.

Moothon (ZEE5 and Aha)

Set against the backdrop of Kamathipura, an impoverished region in Mumbai, Moothon, a Malayalam crime drama, is a defining tale of a young runaway named Mulla in search of his long-lost older brother Akbar. As the siblings find each other, each of their gender identities is revealed to the audience, making it one of the few films that touch upon queerness and gender fluidity in Malayalam cinema. Written and directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film stars Nivin Pauly, Shashank Arora, Sanjana Dipu, Sobhita Dhulipala, Melissa Raju Thomas, and Roshan Mathew. The film was highly critically acclaimed for its thought-provoking script, direction, cinematography, and performances.

Aligarh (Jio Cinema and ZEE5)

Aligarh is based on a true story revolving around Ramchandra Siras, a Marathi professor in a city that speaks Urdu. The plot follows Siras, as the head of the Classical Modern Indian Languages Faculty at the famed Aligarh Muslim University. In a gross invasion of his privacy, Siras is exposed as a homosexual leading to his suspension from the university. When a curious journalist begins to cover his case, they form a close bond that urges Siras to take up his case in court. Aligarh stars Manoj Bajpayee who bagged a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his performance, Rajkummar Rao and Ashish Vidyarthi in lead roles and is directed by Hansal Mehta. The film’s portrayal of Siras’ harrowing experience earned it much critical acclaim including a standing ovation at the 20th Busan International Film Festival and several accolades.

Margarita with a Straw (Netflix)

The Kalki Koechlin Hindi drama film tells the coming-of-age story of Laila, a teenage girl with cerebral palsy as she embarks on a journey of self-exploration after meeting a blind activist named Khanum. The film sheds light on a complicated relationship that falls and stumbles but ultimately informs the characters, as well as the audience about the spectrum of sexuality and self-acceptance. Written and directed by Shonali Bose, Margarita with a Straw echoed strongly with the queer community and was also highly critically acclaimed.

Nagarkirtan (Hoichoi)

A real-life inspired Bengali romance drama film that follows Puti, a transwoman who was born as Parimal, and lives in a ghetto for transgenders in Kolkata. The film captures Puti’s relationship with Madhu, a delivery boy and flautist, with whom she falls in love. Through the prism of their relationship, the film narrates Puti’s past, and present and pushes her towards a dignified future. But a society riddled with prejudice and mistrust continues to thwart the couple’s attempts to recognise and love each other. Nagarkirtan, written and directed by Kaushik Ganguly, stars Riddhi Sen and Ritwick Chakraborty as Puti and Madhu. The film received four National Film awards including the Special Jury Award (Feature Film) and the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Super Deluxe (Netflix and aha)

Super Deluxe is a Tamil language hyperlink drama that intertwines the stories of four individuals, each fated to deal with their inner demons over one day in a chaotic city. The film was credited for its portrayal of the trans-struggle with Vijay Sethupathi essaying the character of a transwoman. Super Deluxe was conferred the  "Equality in Cinema Award" at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was widely discussed for its multilinear narratives and use of colour. Written and directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, the film features Fahadh Faasil, Vijay Sethupathi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ramya Krishnan, Mysskin, Gayathrie, Ashwanth Ashokkumar, and Bagavathi Perumal in lead roles.

Deshadanakkili Karayarilla (YouTube)

The final pick of the list is Padmarajan’s 1986 Malayalam drama film Deshadanakkili Karayarilla. It illustrates the deeply intimate female relationship between two young girls. The film follows the girls as they elope during a class trip due to their shared frustration with the world, and they hide out and decide to live their lives on their own terms. However, a stranger enters their dynamic, altering  their lives forever. The film is credited to be one of the earliest depictions of a queer relationship and earned acclaim for its subtle exploration of the subject. Mohanlal, Karthika, Shari, and Urvashi play pivotal roles in the film that is worth revisiting even after three decades since its release.

Well that's all we got for today's episode, until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Vajra Zayara