Bollywood, India’s answer to America’s Hollywood, has released the trailer for Be Extra Careful About Marriage (Hindi title Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan), the first-ever gay-themed romantic comedy produced in the nation.
Writer/director Hitesh Kewalya describes the key innovation in the film as empathizing with gay people, rather than making fun of them “in such a way as to make it accessible, and humor seemed to be the natural choice to achieve that,” he told TV network France24. He and star Ayushmann Khurrana have also assured concerned viewers that the film will not shy away from showing its gay characters touching, being affectionate and dancing together.
Related: Netflix is about to go gay and Bollywood
Bollywood has produced a number of films dealing with homosexuality over the years, though much like Hollywood, those movies often portrayed homosexuality as a source of humor. Recent years have seen the Indian film industry move away from that position, which as also coincided with changing attitudes toward queer people in Indian society. The nation did not overturn colonial-era laws banning homosexuality until 2018.
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Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
We hope Be Extra Careful About Marriage continues that cultural conversation, and helps LGBTQ Indians get more of the legal protections and social acceptance the community deserves.
Topazme
This movie is already a hit….me and my friends are going to see this movie this weekend and the songs are a huge hit…..the wedding season also starts in few weeks and this movie is perfect to watch with family and friends….the reviews are also very good….and people are loving this movie……also i think this is a great step to overthrow homophobia in India….i mean i was talking to my friend who is planning to see this movie with his parents in order to come out to them…and its not an issue because his parents are very accepting of everyone…..
Smith David
OMG…OMG…OMG…I can’t wait to not see this. It looks like a really good time. Wow! I don’t know much about Indian culture. I think this movie will clear everything up. I can’t wait. I hope they dance all of India into acceptance. If any movie can do it. This movie can. Yes. I’m so excited.
succubus
like my deli’s with their chest hair intact
succubus
desis not deli’s
Joshua333
Nah it’s T-Series don’t wanna hear about it, not after last year.
Hillers
Baby steps…
sonic_source
With all the singing and dancing, I assumed all Bollywood films were already gay.
Kangol2
There already are gay Indian films, and more than a few, just saying.