Aligarh

Synopsis:

Set in the state of Uttar Pradesh and based on true events, the plot revolves around Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras who taught Marathi at Aligarh Muslim University. He was sacked from his position of Reader and Chair of Modern Indian Languages, on charges of homosexuality. A sting operation was conducted by a TV channel which showed him in an embrace with a rickshaw puller, at his house inside the campus.

Quick Thoughts:

It’s important to first note that “Aligarh” is a biographical drama based on the real life story of Dr. Ramchandra Siras. The sting operation, the subsequent case against Aligarh Muslim University, and the unfortunate death of Siras is well-documented in this queer bollywood film. Although the angle with journalist Deepu is fictionalized. What is perhaps more shocking is that this powerful queer film about Indian queer history has gone unnoticed by many. Some even claim that it’s among the top underrated films coming out of Bollywood! The main issue I had in watching “Aligarh” was the pacing; it felt like the plot hovered in certain moments and then skipped ahead with little or no explanation. But what cannot be understated is the amazing acting by Manoj Bajpayee (Siras) and Rajkumar Rao (Deepu) – wow! Overall, this is a key queer bollywood film to watch.