The historic reading down of the section 377 of the Indian penal code has certainly made a difference to the sexual minorities in India. The legal battles will continue, and it will be a long time before such individuals could get over the inherited burdens of homophobia and patriarchy. Many of the sexually persecuted in India will vouch that far more traumatic than the physical and social assaults are the inner conflicts that continue to plague them: the self loathing and confusions engendered by the continuing hetero-patriarchic framework of the Indian society.
Ranadeep Bhattacharya and Judhajit Bagchi invite us to such a world of inner turmoil in their bold and refreshing film, “Amen.” In frames that manifest the refinement of seasoned film makers, they inscribe the conflicts of Amit and Hari, two urban young men from 21sr C India, a world of cyber freedom. Yet, their tastefully decorated neo-ethnic habitats do not free these men from the pursing furies of tradition which constantly remind them of what they should be and how they should live.
In a world of violence and violent sex, they continue to pose their conflicts through questions old and new. The film also comments on the mainstream assumptions on “political correctness.” Harry seems to be the “politically correct” queer person in this narrative, but he is also the one who finally faces the mirror, rather surprised by the clarities left by the arrogant and confused Amit. The film could certainly be a different experience for the viewers of Vibgyor. It is to be screened in the Natyagriham at 9.35 am on Sunday, January 16.
