Unveiling the Unseen

Queer Representation in Indian Cinema and the Road Yet to Be Explored

Bibliographic Data

ID19490682
AuthorsSheen Thankalayam (0000-0001-5227-2081, Christ University), Subin Thomas (0000-0003-4228-8594, Alliance University), Bensha C Shaji (SRM University), Jincy S S (Government Medical College), Jincy S S Jincy S S, Neenu Anna Ninan (0009-0005-2236-4512, REVA University)
Year2026
Volume7
Issue2s
Publication date2026-03-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2582-7472 • E-ISSN: 2582-7472
PublisherGranthaalayah Publications and Printers (PUBLISHER • IN)
DOI10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7184
OpenAlexW7141238604
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited45

There exists a disproportion in the Indian film industry in the delegation and the representation of queer community. The inclusion of queer subjects often fluctuates between invisibility, stereotypes, authentic portrayal and its acceptance. Investigations and explorations of the LGBTQ+ narratives in a refined and nuanced way became more visible in the Indiasn cinemas after the amendment of Section 377 in 2018. This study aims to observe and understand the horizons and boundaries of queer representation in the Indian film industry by examining the historical and contemporary global trends, significant movies, and related scholarly productions and literary narratives. A huge gap is prevailing between the global queer film sector and the Indian queer film sector in the detailing of queer subjects on the backdrop of social, political, economic and familial resistance. This review article evidences that the developments in both mainstream and regional industries still do not gain freedom from the restrictions of class, caste, gender binaries, and censorship. This apparently calls for the need for an intersectional and authentic detailing of queer narratives. The difference in the reception of queer subjects on various geographical and generational bases is yet another topic for discussion. The article stands for politically correct, culturally rooted, socially balanced queer portrayals in the Indian film industry

Mainstream · Movie theater · Narrative · Queer · Cinema and Media Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · South Asian Cinema and Culture

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