Sisak, directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, is hailed as India's inaugural silent LGBTQ love story. Starring Jitin Gulati and Dhruv Singhal, the film unfolds the tale of two men who forge an unspoken bond after encountering each other on a Mumbai local train. Garnering acclaim, the film has secured 59 international awards across various film festivals.

This cinematic creation serves as a poignant exploration of the challenges confronted by the LGBTQ community in India. The film's deliberate lack of dialogue enhances its emotional resonance, delivering a distinctive and stirring viewing experience. Its sensitive portrayal of characters and its ability to convey a compelling message without verbal communication have earned commendation.

In essence, Sisak emerges as a beautiful and powerful film, shedding light on the significance of love and acceptance in a world often adversarial to diversity. A must-see for enthusiasts of quality cinema, it offers a narrative that is both emotionally moving and intellectually stimulating.

• Release date: 2017
• Produced by: Faraz Arif Ansari
• Genres: Short, Drama, Romance
• Director: Faraz Arif Ansari
• Stars: Jitin Gulati, Dhruv Singhal
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/sisak

Aligarh, a 2016 Hindi-language biographical drama directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, features Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao in key roles. The narrative unfolds the true story of Ramchandra Siras, a Marathi professor and head of the Classical Modern Indian Languages Faculty at Aligarh Muslim University. Siras faced suspension on moral grounds, losing his position as Reader and Chair of Modern Indian Languages. The film begins with a local TV crew invading Siras's privacy, filming him in an intimate moment, leading to his suspension and eviction from university housing. The story progresses as a sympathetic journalist takes up Siras's case in court, culminating in his tragic demise.

Premiering at the 20th Busan International Film Festival, Aligarh received global acclaim upon its worldwide release on February 26, 2016. Manoj Bajpayee's portrayal of Ramchandra Siras earned critical acclaim, including a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. The film is commended for its immersive depiction of the challenging journey faced by two individuals unable to connect, all within the context of Siras's tumultuous life.

• Release date: February 26, 2016
• Produced by: Sunil Lulla, Shailesh R. Singh, Sandip Ssingh
  
• Genres: Biography, Drama
  
• Director: Hansal Mehta
  
• Stars: Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Ashish Vidyarthi
  
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
  
• Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/aligarh
  

Released in 2018, Evening Shadows is an Indian drama film in Hindi directed by Sridhar Rangayan. The cast includes Mona Ambegaonkar, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Devansh Doshi, Arpit Chaudhary, Yamini Singh, Abhay Kulkarni, Veena Nair, Kala Ramnathan, Disha Thakur, Sushant Divgikar, and Faredoon Bhujwala. The narrative revolves around Kartik, a young gay man, who discloses his sexual orientation to his mother Vasudha. Set in a conservative small town in Southern India, the film explores the challenges they confront amidst traditional values and societal norms. Praised for its vivid portrayal, Evening Shadows is celebrated for presenting a coming-out story that is both emotionally warm and intricately complex.

This film delicately unfolds the narrative of a mother-son relationship, navigating through the trials of time, distance, and truths. Offering a universal tale of emotional resilience, it delves into the strength of the bond between a mother and son in the face of life's harsh realities. For those who appreciate quality cinema and seek a moving and thought-provoking narrative, Evening Shadows is a compelling must-watch.

• Release date March 1, 2018
• Produced by: Solaris Pictures
  
• Genres: Drama
  
• Director: Sridhar Rangayan
  
• Stars: Mona Ambegaonkar, Anant Mahadevan, Devansh Doshi, Arpit Chaudhary
  
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
  
• Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/evening-shadows
  

In the poignant 2017 Tamil film, My Son Is Gay, directed by Lokesh Kumar, Anupama Kumar, Ashwinjith, and Abishek Joseph George take on lead roles, portraying a mother-son relationship at its emotional core. Anupama Kumar plays Lakshmi, who undergoes a seismic shift in her world when she discovers that her son Varun (Ashwinjith) is gay. Overwhelmed, Lakshmi rejects Varun, but the narrative takes a poignant turn when Varun finds love with Karthik, though happiness remains elusive.

Driven by the theme of acceptance and the right of marginalized individuals to live with dignity in mainstream society, the film explores the complexities of family bonds. Despite Lakshmi's initial rejection, her journey unfolds as she sets out to find her son. Produced by Anil Saxena under Beyond The Limit Creations, the film has earned four awards, marking its impactful contribution to promoting understanding, tolerance, and acceptance.

• Release date: May 18, 2022
• Produced by: Beyond The Limit Creations
  
• Genres: Drama, Family, Musical
  
• Director: Lokesh Kumar
  
• Stars: Anupama Kumar, Ashwinjith, Abishek Joseph George
  
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
  
• Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-NMOY7BQyo
  

Cobalt Blue is a 2022 Hindi-language drama directed by Sachin Kundalkar and featuring Prateik Babbar, Dr. Neelay Mehendale, and Anjali Sivaraman. Adapted from Kundalkar's own novel of the same title, the film follows a brother and sister who both develop romantic feelings for the same man, resulting in a sequence of events that disrupts their conventional Marathi family. Delving into themes of sexuality, family dynamics, and societal expectations, the film has been commended for its sensitive depiction of same-sex relationships in the Indian context.

While the film has garnered mixed reviews from critics, holding a 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 2 reviews, with an average rating of 3/5, the critical consensus on the site suggests that despite compelling performances, the narrative prevents the film from reaching its full potential, describing it as a "casual meander straight down the middle of the road." Cobalt Blue serves as a poignant reflection on the personal toll of societal norms and underscores the significance of individual freedom and expression.

• Release date: April 2, 2022
• Produced by: Priya Sreedharan, Wasim Khan, Zulfaquar Torabi
• Genres: Romance, Drama
• Director: Sachin Kundalkar
• Stars: Neelay Mehendale, Joshi Anantvijay, Prateik Patil Babbar
• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/cobalt-blue

Loev, a 2015 Indian romantic drama directed by Sudhanshu Saria, features Dhruv Ganesh, Siddharth Menon, and Shiv Panditt in leading roles. The plot follows Jai and Sahil, two friends on a weekend excursion to the hills and canyons of Maharashtra, undergoing an emotional journey that prompts them to contemplate the essence of love. The film is lauded for its immersive and close-up depiction of the intricacies between two individuals struggling to connect, all within the backdrop of a road trip.

Produced independently by Faraz Arif Ansari, Loev hit screens in 2015, boasting a runtime of 92 minutes and falling under the genres of drama and romance. The film, recognized for its excellence, clinched two awards and earned seven nominations across various film festivals.

In essence, Loev unfolds as a touching exploration of the intricacies in contemporary relationships. A visually stunning and intellectually stimulating cinematic piece, it underscores the significance of love and acceptance in a world that often exhibits hostility towards those who deviate from the norm. For enthusiasts of quality cinema seeking a narrative that is both emotionally stirring and thought-provoking, Loev is a must-watch.

• Release date: 2015
• Produced by: Faraz Arif Ansari
  
• Genres: Drama, Romance
  
• Director: Sudhanshu Saria
  
• Stars: Dhruv Ganesh, Siddharth Menon, Shiv Panditt
  
• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
  
• Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/loev
  

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, a 2020 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy, is directed by Hitesh Kewalya and produced by Aanand L. Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar under the banners Colour Yellow Productions and T-Series. The film narrates the tale of Kartik and Aman, two gay men in love, and their struggle to gain familial acceptance. Widely praised for its daring and progressive narrative, the film handles a sensitive subject with a blend of humor and sensitivity.

Released on February 21, 2020, with a runtime of 117 minutes, the movie falls under the genres of comedy, romance, and crime. It has garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences, earning acclaim for performances, direction, and writing. The film has received numerous awards and nominations, including six nominations at the 66th Filmfare Awards.

In summary, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is a heartening and enjoyable film that underscores the significance of love and acceptance in a world often unfriendly to differences. It is a must-see for those who value quality cinema and seek a narrative that is both emotionally stirring and thought-provoking.

• Release date: February 21, 2020
• Produced by: Colour Yellow Productions and T-Series
  
• Genres: Drama, Romance
  
• Director: Hitesh Kewalya
  
• Stars: Ayushmann Khurrana, Jitendra Kumar, Gajraj Rao
  
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
  
• Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/shubh-mangal-zyada-saavdhan