Aligarh Torrent: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Controversial Movie

The Indian film industry has always been known for its diverse range of movies that cater to a wide audience. However, every now and then, a movie comes along that sparks controversy and debate. One such movie is Aligarh Torrent, directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao. The movie is based on the true story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended from his job after being caught in a homosexual act. In this article, we will take a closer look at Aligarh Torrent, its themes, controversies, and impact.

The Storyline

Aligarh Torrent is a poignant portrayal of the life of Dr. Siras, who was a Marathi professor at Aligarh Muslim University. The movie begins with Siras being caught in a homosexual act with a rickshaw puller in his house. This leads to his suspension from the university and his subsequent battle for justice. The movie highlights the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India and the struggles of individuals who are ostracized for their sexual orientation.

The movie also sheds light on the relationship between Siras and a journalist named Deepu Sebastian, who helps him fight for his rights. The relationship between the two is portrayed with sensitivity and compassion, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding towards those who are marginalized.

The Controversies

Aligarh Torrent was not without its share of controversies. The movie was initially banned in Aligarh by the district magistrate, who claimed that it would hurt the sentiments of the people. However, the ban was later lifted by the Allahabad High Court, which stated that the movie did not violate any laws.

The movie also faced backlash from certain sections of society, who claimed that it was promoting homosexuality and was against Indian culture. However, the director and actors of the movie defended it, stating that it was a portrayal of a true story and was meant to create awareness about the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

The Impact

Aligarh Torrent had a significant impact on Indian society, especially in terms of creating awareness about the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The movie highlighted the need for empathy and understanding towards those who are marginalized and brought to light the struggles of individuals who are ostracized for their sexual orientation.

The movie also sparked a debate about the need for decriminalizing homosexuality in India. In 2018, the Supreme Court of India struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality. The judgment was hailed as a landmark victory for the LGBTQ+ community and was seen as a step towards creating a more inclusive society.

The Themes

Aligarh Torrent deals with several themes that are relevant to Indian society. One of the primary themes of the movie is discrimination, especially towards the LGBTQ+ community. The movie highlights how individuals who are different from the norm are often ostracized and discriminated against, leading to their marginalization.

Another theme of the movie is empathy and understanding. The relationship between Siras and Deepu Sebastian highlights the need for empathy towards those who are marginalized and the importance of understanding their struggles.

The movie also deals with the theme of justice. Siras’ battle for justice highlights the need for individuals to stand up for their rights and fight against discrimination.

The Conclusion

Aligarh Torrent is a powerful portrayal of the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India. The movie highlights the struggles of individuals who are ostracized for their sexual orientation and sheds light on the need for empathy and understanding towards those who are marginalized. The movie sparked a debate about the need for decriminalizing homosexuality in India and was seen as a step towards creating a more inclusive society. Overall, Aligarh Torrent is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in India and the need for creating a more inclusive society.