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As another week draws to an end, there’s only one thing on our minds – what am I going to watch on the weekend? With the increasing number of streaming application and websites, the options are endless. Though it does often make it difficult to navigate when you have an overload of choices and seeking out quality content can be a frustrating task.
Worry not, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to be your sherpas on this journey of (healthy) binge-watching. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites as well as what we’re currently streaming online. Whether it’s after a long day of work or sometimes during working hours too when no one’s looking; while you’re on the pot, having a date night with friends or just killing time, queue up your picks from our curation.
Keeping in line with this week’s celebration of the decriminalising of homosexuality we bring you a selection of Indian and international films, documentaries and TV shows that showcase the community, queer culture, love, relationships, icons and the struggle for equality over the years.
I. Aligarh directed by Hansal Mehta
Hansal Mehta’s film follows the, unfortunately, true story of Ramchandra Siras, a professor of Marathi literature at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. Aligarh is a movie that needs to be seen for its nuanced, sensitive, yet realistic portrayal of a lonely man who refuses to be typecast with labels. When the professor was made the head of the Department of Modern Indian Languages, it’s suspected that jealousy drew colleagues to dig into his personal life, putting his private moments and sexuality on display in a horrid manner that lead to professor Siras’ suspension.
Manoj Bajpayee gives a stellar performance as the protagonist and the importance of the film lies in its subtle commentary about privacy and personal choice. It’s critical of the reinstitution of Section 377, the stark prejudice against homosexuals, and the importance of a democratic nation’s provision and upliftment of basic human rights in the face of persecution and humiliation.
You can stream it on Zee5.
II. Call Me By Your Name directed by Luca Guadagnino
A coming-of-age film based on André Aciman’s novel (2007) of the same name, Call Me By Your Name transports you to a 17th-century villa in Italy. It’s the story of 17-year-old Elio’s exploration of his sexuality when Oliver, a handsome American student that’s assisting his professor-father, comes to stay with them over a summer. Desire becomes a central theme in this film that’s made even more thrilling by its stunning sets, landscapes and soundtrack.
Gentle caresses, lakeside lounging, revelry and a lot of peaches (no spoilers) – Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Mystery of Love’ is the icing on top of a lovely film you just have to watch.
Watch the film on Amazon Prime Video.
III. Loev directed by Sudhanshu Saria
In a narrative that seamlessly tells of an estranged homosexual love that grapples between friendship and passion-this is one of India’s finest films in the LGBTQ+ genre. Two childhood friends Sahil, a Mumbai-based musician, and Jai, a successful New York businessman plan a road trip to Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats. During their time together they must confront the feelings they have for each other as love drives them both in and out of each other’s arms.
Nuanced performances by both the lead actors complement the sensitively written script that at its best gradually reveals the many fractures in the human soul. We consider ourselves lucky that finally after two years of its release the film has been made available for streaming.
Watch it on Netflix.
IV. My Brother... Nikhil directed by Onir
Based on the life of Dominic D’Souza, the film broke barriers for its time when it came to the conversation around HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ community in India. In the film, State swimming champion Nikhil (Sanjay Suri) has a loving family along with a committed lover Nigel (Purab Kohli). Their relationship is not constructed for sensational value but explores the “normalcy” of their togetherness. When Nikhil tests positive for HIV he is abandoned by all except his sister and partner. The film then explores not just the stigma associated with the disease and homosexuality but the trauma that is lived by individuals who must deal with it all, in isolation.
The film becomes a tribute to the life and struggle of Dominic D’Souza, seen by many as an ‘AIDS Warrior’ who changed the course and perception of HIV patients and treatment in the country.
Watch this poignant film on Hotstar.
V. Queer Eye
A reboot of the Bravo series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and featuring a new Fab Five – Tan France (fashion), Bobby Berk (design), Antoni Porowski (food and wine), Karamo Brown (culture) and Jonathan Van Ness (grooming – this is more than just a makeover show. There is a lot of subtlety and nuance in the relationships they showcase between the man being ‘made-over’ and the Fab Five. With each episode, it becomes clearer that, in a way, they refashion not just the exterior of a person but social conventions, mindsets and even ideologies. They are men, as Kathryn VanArendonk puts it, “trying to fix masculinity.”
For example, we explore the relationship between the police and African Americans in one episode through Karamo, another comment on the friction between the queer community and the Christian through Bobby. While it is still a seriously enjoyable and lovable show, there is also a lot more than meets the eye (no pun intended) with this one.
Watch 2 season of Queer Eye now on Netflix.
VI. Breaking Free by Sridhar Rangayan
Sridhar Rangayan is an openly-gay filmmaker who has been at the forefront of India’s battle for equal rights for decades. He has tirelessly worked, campaigned, and spoken for LGBTQ rights—and his films have become mainstays of queer Indian cinema.
In Breaking Free, Rangayan explored the ramifications of Section 377 and its invisible-yet-dominating presence that has haunted India’s LGBTQ community. The film took seven years to complete and took Rangayan all over India as he attempted to document the human rights violations against LGBTQ Indians at the hands of society, the law, and the government.
It’s a must-watch and available for streaming on Netflix.
VII. RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul’s, the queen of drag, show is a guilty pleasure most people would not cop up to. With 10 seasons under its belt, Drag Race is a reality competition that gives a platform to some of the most incredible drag performers you will ever see. It comes with all the drama that you’d expect from a reality competition, add to that some fabulous costumes, hair and make-up and a whole lot of shade and you get one hell of a show.
“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” - RuPaul
You can stream season 8 and 9 on Netflix.
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