Naanu Avanalla Avalu

Young Maadesha has always felt like a woman from inside. While his small town parents dream of him being the 'man of the house', Maadesha instead follows his heart and becomes a woman, Vidya. The trials and tribulations of this journey make for this story.

BS Lingadevaru has probably given India one of the finest films made on gender issues. This film has no frills, but tells the situation of these people as is. The story of Living Smile Vidya's triumph shines, with solid backing from the films cast and crew, led ably in the front by Lingadevaru and Sanchari Vijay.

The film begins with very valid question, can the society accept transgenders and give them a job to earn their livelihood like everyone else? Right from this moment, Lingadevaru makes it clear that his intention is to question every existing stereotype and not just present this biopic like a docudrama.

The film traverses from rural India to the metropolitan to the underbelly and even gives the viewers the sights of Cuddapah, where the economically weaker transgenders go for their sex change. Also shown is the hierarchy and practices of the transgender community in the country.

The film does not shift to a patronizing tone, but instead mirrors the society without imposing any opinion. The music by Anoop Seelin and lyrics by Arasu Anthare further add to this narrative and play a pivotal part.

The film undoubtedly begins to Vijay. His performance as Maadesha and then Vidya is so convincing that you feel for him when he's questioned and you cheer for him when he's happy. There are few performances that actors get that can qualify as the one for a lifetime and Vijay is one of the lucky few to have not just portrayed it, but also won accolades and awards for it.

The supporting cast too deserves a mention. The first half sees Sundar portray Vidya's first queer friend and he is nothing short of brilliant. Similarly, Sumithra as Nani shines in the second half with an author-backed role.

Watch this film, for there are very few that talk about the transgender community without using cliches and humour and present the story as it. This films gives the viewer an India we often choose to overlook.