As much as I love Karan Mehra, and could binge 'Made in Heaven' endlessly, we need something more. The queer stories we often see are polished, set against the glossy backdrops of upper-caste, upper-class lives. These narratives, while valuable, paint a narrow picture of queer existence, inadvertently suggesting that queerness is a phenomenon of privilege. In a country as diverse as ours, the reality of queer life is far more complex and intersectional. It isn’t confined to the corridors of affluence.
Enter a new wave of indie short films that boldly dismantle the sanitised image of queer love. These films dive deep into the lives of those often relegated to the peripheries, including labourers, rural women, and religious minorities. Through raw, intimate storytelling, they challenge us to see queerness not as an accessory to privilege but as a force that intersects with and often complicates other marginalised identities.
Here are five homegrown short films that reveal the rich, textured lives of queer individuals navigating the margins. They remind us that love, desire, and identity are universal struggles, but for some, they come with added weight — a weight that these films carry with grace, dignity, and a quiet yet powerful rebellion.
Renuka and Sadiya, two working-class women in love with each other, enjoy their day out celebrating Renuka’s birthday. After a fun-filled day, they head home to spend the night together. Unknown to them, Renuka’s son Mangesh is around.
Arun Fulara’s direction emphasises the understated nuances of their relationship, using quiet moments to convey the depth of their bond. The cinematography captures the bustling yet oppressive environment of Mumbai, reflecting the contrast between the public and private lives of the two women. It challenges us to confront our assumptions about love and age. It sheds light on the struggles faced by queer individuals, especially those who are older, in a society that dismisses their experiences.
You can watch it here.
Rekha works as a security guard at a mall in Pune, while Sargam is a college student. Their secret haven is the female frisking booth where Rekha works — a small, curtained space that, for a few fleeting moments each day, transforms into their refuge.
Through minimal dialogue and subtle glances, Rohin Raveendran skilfully portrays the tension and tenderness in their relationship. The film is beautifully unhurried in its expression of desire: They eat their (identical) lunches separately at different corners of the mall, finding solace in the thrill of brief exchanges. The booth serves as both a literal and symbolic space — its physical constraints mirror the societal restrictions that make their love forbidden, while also providing a sanctuary where their true selves can emerge.
You can watch it here.
Usha, a single mother who works as a farm labourer in rural India, finds herself drawn to a female teacher of local primary school, in ways she never knew possible. This attraction plays an important part, in firing her passion to read and write as she hopes to be as good as the teacher, one day.
Through Usha’s journey, the film delicately addresses the struggles of a marginalised woman grappling with her desires in a conservative society that doesn’t even afford her basic dignity. The film’s portrayal of Usha’s unspoken affection is handled with sensitivity, allowing us to feel her yearning and vulnerability. U for Usha raises important questions about the visibility of queer identities in rural contexts, and the intersection of caste and sexuality.
You can watch it here.
During the 2002 Godhra riots in Gujarat, 30-year-old Samir, smuggles Rafiq, a Muslim man being chased by a Hindu mob, into his workshop. Once inside, however, Samir tries unsuccessfully to seduce him. He throws him out, only to discover a terrified Rafiq has managed to sneak back in.
Pradipta Ray’s direction focuses on the moments of shared understanding between the two protagonists, using the physical and emotional distance between them to build tension and empathy. The film’s minimalist approach allows the characters’ vulnerabilities to surface gradually, creating a powerful narrative about trust, protection, and the courage to reveal one’s true self.
Watch the trailer here.
This documentary, through interviews with LGBTQ+ Sikhs, captures the varied experiences of queer Sikhs and explores the intersection of Sikhism and Homosexuality. It features five different people with different gender and sexual identities from various parts of India.
Sab Rab De Bande explores the tension between personal identity and societal expectations. The five navigate the complexities of their relationship, facing not only the disapproval of their families but also the internal struggle to reconcile their love with their faith. The film pulls back the curtain on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities, where tradition and modernity often clash.
Watch the trailer here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:
5 Underrated Regional Films That Portray The Everyday Reality Of Queerness In India
'Bedard' Is A Queer Short Film Offering A Glimpse Into Post One Night Stand Realities