indian queer cinema

The film had its world premiere at the 39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2025

Lionsgate Play has confirmed a second season of 'Heated Rivalry' for 2027, alongside a theatrical-first release model for a curated slate of premium Hollywood titles and more than 100 premieres lined up for India in 2026

Filmmaker Onir returns to queer storytelling with 'Tumhari Khushboo', a short film featuring visually impaired performer Shashi Bhushan and Barun Sobti. The narrative explores an intimate love story between a visually impaired masseur and a sports instructor, focusing on sensory connection beyond sight. This project highlights the intersection of queerness and disability, offering a nuanced portrayal of agency and dignity.

Indian cinema is witnessing a transformative shift in queer representation, moving from stereotypes to nuanced portrayals that resonate with audiences. Films and OTT platforms are increasingly showcasing complex LGBTQ+ characters, sparking conversations and fostering acceptance.

Although Faraz feels that queer representation has become better than before, he shares that marginalised persons from the community, like lesbians, transgender, non-binary, queer Muslims, rarely find a space in cinema, TV or OTT shows in India. “The stories are mostly about cis gay men, that too not progressive but feeding to the stereotype...

After a successful world premiere at Boston's Wicked Queer film festival, Sisak, billed as India's first silent queer love story, will have its Indian premiere at KASHISH 2017

Filmmakers Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta have championed queer visibility in India for over three decades. Their impactful cinema, from the first drag film 'Gulabi Aaina' to award-winning features, has fostered acceptance and driven social change. Their work continues to inspire, bridging divides within families and empowering the LGBTQ+ community.

Mumbai's KASHISH Pride Film Festival marks its 16th edition in June 2025, showcasing 152 LGBTQ+ films from 48 countries. Opening with 'Queer' and closing with 'Close To You,' the festival emphasizes 'Love = Peace' and celebrates diverse stories. The event features Indian cinema, including Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun,' and honors Shyam Benegal with a screening of 'Mandi'.

The Kashish Queer Film Festival is back, bigger and better this year. "It doesn't get queerer than this," promises Sridhar Rangayan, festival director of India's only mainstream LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) film festival.

Kashish announces grant for Indian filmmakers to make film on LGBTQIA+ theme

The eighth edition of the four-day Bangalore Queer Film Festival (BQFF), which will kick off in the city on February 25, will treat Bengalureans to a variety of films--- from feature length to documentaries and short films from across the globe.

Filmmaker Faraz Arif Ansari feels that in Indian cinema, authentic representation of sexual identity by individuals from the queer spectrum remains a challenge, despite increasing on-screen visibility of sexuality and gender. The need for accurate representation persists to bridge the gap between cinematic portrayals and real-life experiences.

Accurate representation of the LGBTQ community in mainstream cinema and TV shows is important, said panellists at a session titled ‘It’s Love, Actually: A Queer vision’.