Kapoor & Sons

Wow! “Kapoor & Sons” surprised me – in a good way! This film is probably better classified as a queer drama film rather than a queer family film as the story is quite dramatic and unfortunately tragic. Yet even though it might be a different take than the other films, family still takes centre stage. In fact, it’s perhaps more a family film than a queer film! While I was captivated by the plot (and lost in elements that I assume are part of Indian cinema), I continually questioned where the queer element actually comes into play. When all the family drama came crashing down, the secret finally comes out – Rahul is gay! Initially, his mother does not accept him; the praised favourite son has lost his favour – which is part of why Rahul stated that he kept it hidden for so long. Thankfully things greatly improved in the last fifteen minutes as much of the family drama resolves itself. Even Rahul’s mother comes to accept Rahul, albeit very cautiously, giving the film a happy ending.

However what’s most powerful about “Kapoor & Sons” is how this mainstream Indian film changed Bollywood and Indian perception about homosexuality. Prior Bollywood films depicted homosexual characters in comedic stereotypes, not always in a positive way. Yet, Fawad Khan depicts Rahul as a man who has accepted his sexuality, yet struggles with telling his Indian family because he’s afraid of not being accepted. Many actual cite the film as a major advancement in the acceptance of homosexuality in India. And that is the main reason to watch this queer family film!