Aligarh is a 2015 Indian biographical drama film directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani. It stars Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles. The film is based on the life of Ramchandra Siras, a professor of Marathi at Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation.
The film explores the themes of homophobia, privacy, human rights and dignity in a society that criminalizes homosexuality under Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code. The film also depicts the friendship between Siras and a journalist who covers his story and supports him in his fight for justice.
Aligarh is a very important film, a milestone in the history of Indian cinema that should start the much-needed conversation about how India treats a visible and yet often ignored minority group. It is especially significant in the context of gay rights activists and their struggles to remove Article 377 from the Indian Penal Code.
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The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of Siras’s life and Bajpayee’s performance as the protagonist. The film had its world premiere at the 20th Busan International Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation. The film was also screened at various international film festivals such as London Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival and Mardi Gras Film Festival.
Aligarh is a film that challenges the stereotypes and prejudices against homosexuality in India and raises awareness about the human rights violations faced by LGBTQ+ community. It is a film that celebrates love, courage and dignity in the face of oppression and discrimination.
The Movie also gave some best dialogue that really propels our mind to think:
- “Poetry is not about words, but pauses and silences. It has different interpretations at different times of life.” – Ramchandra Siras
- “I don’t want to be an activist. I just want to be left alone.” – Ramchandra Siras
- “He was a poet who loved his whiskey. He was a teacher who loved his students. He was a lover who loved a man.” – Deepu Sebastian
- “The law says homosexuality is a crime. Society says it’s a sin. But what does your heart say?” – Lawyer
- “You have not been suspended for being gay, but for indulging in homosexual activity on campus.” – Vice Chancellor
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