Same sex marriage verdict: In what’s seen as a huge setback for India’s LGBTQIA+ community, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to grant legal status to same-sex marriage in the country. Dashing hopes of the queer community, the 3:2 judgment said that the top court can only interpret the law but not make it. Headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the bench said that it was for Parliament to make the desired tweaks in the Special Marriage Act.

While there may not be a legal status for same-sex marriages in India, Bollywood has been very vocal about LGBTQIA+ relationships. From path-breaking movie ‘Fire’ to recent blockbuster ‘Badhaai Do’, there has been healthy representation of the community. These movies have not only shown a nuanced portrayal but also highlighted the problems faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Here’s our top picks from Bollywood:

Fire

Deepa Mehta’s film on a lesbian couple which came out back in 1996 created an uproar among the audience. The story of Mehta’s film revolved around a suppressed housewife Radha played by Shabana Azmi who later finds solace in her sister-in-law Sita played by Nandita Das. The film ‘Fire’ was the first one in setting the trend and was one of the most globally praised movies. Movie theatres were vandalised by members of Shiv Sena party three weeks after the release. Theatres which had running shows of the film were at the target and were termed immoral and anti-Indian culture. The film was praised and received support from the film fraternity including actor Dilip Kumar and Mahesh Bhatt. It was due to the protest and vandalism that the screenings of the film had to be cancelled.

Bomgay

Released in 1996, ‘Bomgay’ is India’s first gay short movie directed by Riyad Vinvi Wadia and Jangu Sethna. The film’s foundation is the gay poetry of R. Raj Rao which is a collection of six vignettes that depict the underground and twisted nature of the gay identity in urban India. A sex scene in a library was the center of controversy and the film is best known for the same scene.

I Am

Film director Onir directed the movie ‘I Am’ in 2010. The movie had four short films altogether namely, ‘Omar’, ‘Afia’, ‘Abhimanyu’, and ‘Megha’. Each film of them shared the common theme of fear. Every short movie is based on real-life stories. ‘Omar’ depicted the miss-use of gay rights. In the movie, a police officer threatens two boys Omad and Jai under section 377. Section 377 was however decriminalised by the SC in 2019. Onir had found some research material online which was also a part of the inspiration for the movie along with real-life stories. The film did not receive much response commercially but it was critically acclaimed.

My Brother Nikhil

Director Onir had made another movie back in 2005, ‘My Brother Nikhil’. The movie was a sensitive, emotional story about the gay community which starred Juhi Chawla, Purab Kohli and Sanjay Suri who played the title role. The film depicted the dynamic among Nigel, Nikhil, and his sister, portrayed by Juhi Chawala, and their collective journey when Nikhil undergoes an HIV test. Pioneering a same-sex love narrative, the movie delved into the societal stigmas associated with AIDS. Upon its release, the film received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its position as a noteworthy contribution to cinema.

Bombay Talkies

The anthology movie ‘Bombay Talkies’ (2013) was helmed by four directors who each directed a short film. Among these, Karan Johar’s segment, starring Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, and Saqib Saleem, stood out as particularly daring for its era. Set in the bustling streets of Bombay, the story depicted a married couple, grappling with the husband’s concealed homosexuality, and explored the evolving dynamics of contemporary urban relationships. Notably, the film concluded with an emotionally charged kiss shared by the male leads. Johar’s contribution to the anthology garnered praise for its innovative take on modern love stories.

Aligarh

Through ‘Aligarh’ (2016), filmmaker Hansal Mehta effectively portrayed the harsh reality of societal constraints that restrict an individual’s freedom to choose their partner. Inspired by a true story, the film delved into the life of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor who became the subject of a sting operation aimed at revealing his sexual orientation. Ostracized by both his academic institution and the community, Siras finds support from a journalist who encourages him to pursue legal action against the university. While the film received acclaim for its authentic portrayal, the leading actor, Manoj Bajpaiee, delivered a compelling and nuanced performance, yet ‘Aligarh’ failed to make a significant impact at the box office.

Kapoor and Sons

Shakun Batra’s ‘Kapoor and Sons’ depicted the intricacies of a troubled family. Notably, the slice-of-life narrative included a pivotal moment where one of the central characters revealed his true self to his mother. Interestingly, this role had reportedly been declined by several leading Bollywood actors who were hesitant about portraying a gay character on screen. Ultimately, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan took on the role, delivering a performance that garnered widespread acclaim, thereby altering the traditional perception of a Bollywood hero.

Margarita with a Straw and Dostan

While Shonali Bose’s ‘Margarita With A Straw’ (2014) centered on the life of a spirited young woman who fearlessly embraces life despite being born with a medical condition, the film also highlighted a same-sex romantic narrative, offering Indian audiences insight into the experiences of love and intimacy within the context of physical challenges.

In contrast, back in 2008, Tarun Mansukhani’s ‘Dostana’ ventured into the territory of homosexuality, albeit with a lighthearted and humorous approach. The movie revolved around two men feigning a homosexual relationship to secure a shared apartment with a woman, eventually finding themselves romantically drawn to her. Many criticized producer Karan Johar, citing the film’s depiction of its characters as potentially demeaning to the LGBTQ+ community.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga

In 2018, filmmaker Shelly Chopra Dhar delivered a groundbreaking commercial film in Bollywood, centered around a same-sex love story. The narrative focused on a young woman from a small town who confronts her family to gain acceptance for her gay partner. Notably, the film marked a significant milestone with the inclusion of writer Gazal Dhaliwal, Bollywood’s first transgender woman writer, hailing from a small town in Punjab. ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ effectively portrayed Gazal’s personal struggles as a transgender woman, resonating with her own experiences.

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan

The Indian audience has undoubtedly made significant strides over the years. From incidents of theatre vandalism during the screening of ‘Fire’ to witnessing popular actor Ayushmann Khurrana portraying a gay character in ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan,’ it is evident that societal acceptance has evolved. This season, one of the most highly anticipated films tackles the prevalent taboos surrounding homosexuality with a touch of humor. Set in a small town in northern India, the movie is set to mark a milestone as the first commercial film to feature an on-screen kiss between the leading male characters.

Badhaai Do

Released in 2022, Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar took the lead roles in ‘Badhaai Do’, portraying characters caught in a marital scenario where they strive to preserve some hidden truths. As the narrative unfolds, both characters reveal to each other that they identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

Chandigarh Kare

‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui,’ directed by Abhishek Kapoor, is a distinctive film that imparts a valuable lesson on embracing transgender individuals. The movie features the reliable Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor in an unconventional portrayal, with Vaani essaying the role of a transwoman. Together, they navigate a love story that transcends conventional gender boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on relationships.