Having won Awards Internationally and premiered at many prestigious film functions, ‘Aligarh’ movie is finding it tough to find a place in India with recently released trailer given an A certificate by Censor Board. Starring Manoj Bajpayee and Raju Kumar Rao in top leads, director Hansal Mehta and writer Apurva Asrani have dealt a very sensitive issue of homosexuality questioning Section 377 which criminalizes sexual activities against the order of nature, including homosexual activities.
Aligarh story narrates the real life incidents of Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, Professor of Marathi at the Aligarh Muslim University. He was suspended from job because of his sexual orientation when a sting operation was conducted by TV channel on him. Later on, Siras died under suspicious circumstances.
This gay film has put Supreme Court of India at a cross and the apex bench is all set to hear a curative petition by activists challenging its 2013 judgment on criminalizing consensual gay sex upholding Section 377. In fact, director Hansal Mehta is also publicizing the movie by attacking Censor Board of being Homophobic in rating A for ‘Aligarh’ trailer. Subject of homosexuality is definitely not for kids and teenagers, so Board gave A certification.
In centre of this controversy, ‘Aligarh’ trailer got amazing response from Indian audience. People are connecting well with contemporary Indian society’s perspective in tackling the homophobes. With very talented Manoj Bajpayee as protagonist, the trailer got a humane touch. Finally, Indian cinema is going high in standards welcoming such bold subjects. Welcoming the new mindsets of present generation audience, ‘Aligarh’ is all set for a grand release on 26th of this month.