Same-sex relationships are empowering in their own way. When the entire world stands against two people who want to be together without any boundaries based on their gender identities, the simple act of loving becomes revolutionary. There has been quite some taboo and stigma associated with homosexuality in India, but ever since the decriminalization of Article 377, the conversation has opened up.

With the petition on same-sex marriages driving conversation ahead in the supreme court, it remains to be seen how it changes the narrative towards a positive side.

Previously, not many mainstream films were made about homosexual relationships. It was always a man and a woman falling in love with each other. In recent years, homesexuality has been explored in many mainstream films.

Here are 5 Bollywood films that explore same-sex relationships:

1) Fire

Directed by Deepa Mehta, Fire is an early film that explores female desire and sexuality like no other film. Along with that, it bases itself on the complexities of patriarchy while making some stark observations on toxic masculinity along the way.
It features a lesbian relationship between Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das, who play the lead roles.

2) Aligarh

This 2016 film is based on the real life of Professor Siras, who faced discrimination for being gay. The film is a sensitively observed peek into the life of Professor Siras, who faces backlash from many in his daily life. With a powerful performance by Manoj Bajpayee, Aligarh remains an important film on same-sex relationships.

3) Badhaai Do

Badhaai Do is probably the most popular and accessible film that is based on the idea of coming out as a gay person. It also had an interesting storyline, which beautifully conveyed the message of coming out in an entertaining manner.

The film starred Rajkumar Rao and Bhoomi Pednekar in the lead roles.

Read More: My life is between action and cuts: Rajkumar Rao

4) Kapoor and Sons

Although the thread of a gay character only comes up later in the film, Kapoor and Sons is a film about acceptance. Featuring powerful performances from Ratna Pathak Shah and Fawad Khan, Kapoor and Sons is an essential watch.

5) My brother Nikhil

A film that tried to normalize same-sex relationships when there was hardly any conversation about it in India Directed by Onir, the film tells the story of a young swimmer who discovers that he is suffering from HIV/AIDS. In this time of crisis, he finds support from his sister and his boyfriend, Nigel.
The film is an important piece of work that aims to bring more such stories to the mainstream. Along with that, it is told with so much love and care.