Happy Pride Month 2023: In recent years, Bollywood has witnessed a significant shift towards embracing diverse narratives and promoting inclusivity on the silver screen. As societal attitudes evolve, filmmakers have taken the opportunity to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ community. Here, we highlight seven Bollywood movies that have boldly explored LGBTQ themes, contributing to a more inclusive cinematic landscape.
Movies you can Binge-watch this Pride Month
In recent years, Bollywood has been making strides toward promoting inclusivity and representing the LGBTQ community on the big screen. Here are a few examples:
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019)
Directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar, this groundbreaking film starred Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anil Kapoor in pivotal roles. It tells the story of Sweety (Sonam Kapoor), who must navigate societal expectations and familial pressures as she embraces her true identity.
With its sensitive portrayal of same-sex love and the importance of acceptance, the film garnered critical acclaim and sparked conversations about LGBTQ rights.
Aligarh (2016)
Directed by Hansal Mehta, “Aligarh” is based on the true story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University. Played by Manoj Bajpayee, Siras faced discrimination and persecution due to his sexual orientation.
The film delves into the legal battle he fought against the unjust treatment he endured, shedding light on the importance of dignity, privacy, and equal rights for every individual.
Kapoor & Sons (2016)
Directed by Shakun Batra, “Kapoor & Sons” is a heartwarming family drama that explores complex relationships within a dysfunctional family. The film features a subplot involving one of the main characters, played by Fawad Khan, who grapples with his sexuality and the challenges of coming out to his family.
With its sensitive portrayal and realistic depiction of the emotional journey, the film garnered praise for its inclusivity.
Margarita with a Straw (2014)
Directed by Shonali Bose, “Margarita with a Straw” is a coming-of-age tale that follows the journey of Laila (played by Kalki Koechlin), a young woman with cerebral palsy.
As she explores her own sexuality and embarks on a romantic relationship with a female classmate, the film addresses themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the acceptance of individuality.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)
Directed by Hitesh Kewalya, this comedy-drama challenges stereotypes and tackles the topic of same-sex relationships in a light-hearted manner. The film features Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar as a gay couple who face societal resistance and familial expectations.
With its humorous yet meaningful approach, the film aimed to normalize LGBTQ relationships and encourage open dialogue.
Badhaai Do (2022)
In the romantic comedy “Badhaai Do,” directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni and featuring a stellar cast including Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Gulshan Devaiah, Chum Darang, Sheeba Chaddha, and Seema Pahwa, the story revolves around Sumi and Shardul, two queer individuals. In order to appease their respective families and conform to societal expectations of heterosexuality, they enter into a lavender marriage.
However, as the families eventually uncover the truth, a series of emotional moments unfolds, shedding light on the importance of the freedom to love and challenging the conservative attitudes often faced by the LGBTQ community. “Badhaai Do” seamlessly addresses these themes, while also offering heartwarming and relatable moments that will leave audiences feeling touched.
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021)
In the film directed by Abhishek Kapoor and featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor in the lead roles, the story follows Manu, a bodybuilder hailing from Chandigarh, who finds himself falling in love with Maanvi, a Zumba teacher. Their relationship takes a tumultuous turn when Manu learns that Maanvi is a transgender woman. Overwhelmed by societal prejudices and misconceptions, Manu decides to break off their relationship.
However, he soon realizes the depth of his mistake and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. The film tackles themes of acceptance, love, and the complexity of human relationships, shedding light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals and challenging societal norms. Through its poignant storytelling, the film aims to create awareness and promote inclusivity and compassion.
These movies are just a few examples of Bollywood’s growing commitment to representing the LGBTQ community and promoting inclusivity. By tackling relevant issues, fostering empathy, and challenging societal norms, these films have played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and fostering greater acceptance. As Bollywood continues to evolve, we can expect more such movies to emerge, further enriching the cinematic landscape and championing LGBTQ rights on and off the screen.
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