Sridhar Rangayan: Films and web series should give LGBT characters a proper place in the narrative

Filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan has been creating movies for the last two decades. Many of his films including the The Pink Mirror, Yours Emotionally and Evening Shadows, have been called ground-breaking because of their realistic and sympathetic portrayal of the largely closeted gay community in our country.

Talking about the notion that the film industry today is inclusive, he says, “Apparently, the film industry is supposed to be the most inclusive where every person of every gender and sexuality is embraced with open arms. Yes, LGBTQ persons are embraced, but never given an equal playing ground where they get equal roles in all departments. That is yet to happen, even in 2023.”

Around 20 years ago Sridhar and his partner Saagar Gupta, a writer and art director, opened a production company which specialises in making gay-themed films and is probably one of the rare production companies to do so.

He asks, “Tell me how many LGBTQ directors, DOPs, screenwriters do you know of? You can count them on your fingertips, and they won’t even add up totally to 10! Either those who are already out there do not want to come out and be counted, or out and proud LGBTQ persons are not given their due – you figure!”

Sridhar, who is also the Founder and Festival Director of Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival, is all praise for some of the films that have sensitive and authentic portrayals of LGBT characters. He says, “I would like to applaud the current crop of films and web series for featuring LGBTQ characters in a non-stereotypical, non-judgmental way. But I would also request them to give these characters more flesh and meat, and a proper place in your narrative. The sudden woke-ness where every film and web series have to have a LGBTQ character just for the sake of it has to stop. We need LGBTQ focused stories with proper narrative arcs and real representation of the contemporary aspirations of the community. Stop seeing us through your heterosexual lens and presuming aspects of our lives and loves. Instead, involve us in your team, make us part of your in-front and behind the camera environment, give us an equal space at your creative table, and let’s work some queer magic together.”