5 Must-Watch Indian Lesbian Movies & Shows That Break New Ground

After exploring Chinese lesbian cinema and Korean GL dramas, today let’s dive into something equally exciting – Indian lesbian films and TV shows! These stories are particularly fascinating because they tackle LGBTQ+ themes within India’s rich cultural context. Let’s check out these groundbreaking works! 🌈

Maja Ma (2022)

This refreshing family drama takes a unique approach to coming out stories in the Indian context. Set in a middle-class Indian family, we follow a seemingly perfect household: a successful father, a dance-loving mother, an LGBTQ+ activist daughter, and a son preparing for engagement.

The story takes a dramatic turn when the mother’s lesbian identity is revealed during a festival dance event. What makes this film special is how it explores the aftermath of coming out in mid-life, especially in a traditional Indian family setting. The film asks powerful questions about how family members navigate their relationships when long-held secrets come to light.

Related:

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The Married Woman (2021)

This powerful series is more than just a love story – it’s about the intersection of awakening souls against the backdrop of gender, religion, and war. The attention to detail in production creates a seamlessly powerful narrative that resonates deeply with viewers.

The show’s most touching moment comes through a simple object – a bag that doesn’t fit in a suitcase. This bag, which Peeplika has to carry separately, becomes Astha’s final straw. In what might be the last real storm of her life, she clings to this symbol of change, simultaneously fighting and fleeing her reality. It’s these subtle metaphors that make the show so compelling.

Maaya 2 (2018)

While this web series is technically a second season, it tells a completely fresh sapphic story unrelated to its predecessor. The narrative follows Ruhi, a talented lesbian architect who returns to India from America, only to face discrimination from her misogynistic boss.

The plot takes an interesting twist when Ruhi meets Simmi, a mesmerizing singer, at a bar. Their instant connection becomes complicated when it’s revealed that Simmi is engaged to Ruhi’s problematic boss. The show brilliantly explores the complexities of attraction and professional power dynamics in modern India.

The ‘Other’ Love Story (2016)

Set against the backdrop of Indian society, this tender romance follows two young women falling in love. What makes this story special is its raw honesty – showing how the characters act on their feelings without overthinking, despite the shame society might attach to their relationship. At its core, it’s a powerful reminder that love persists despite social obstacles.

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When I Saw a Girl (Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga) (2019)

This groundbreaking film, starring the renowned Sonam Kapoor, is considered Bollywood’s first mainstream LGBTQ+ movie. The story follows a young woman who rejects all her male suitors because she’s attracted to women. What makes this film particularly significant is its portrayal of the coming out process within the context of Indian family values.

The title itself (which translates to “How I Felt When I Saw That Girl”) beautifully captures the universal experience of first love while placing it firmly within Indian cultural context.

Breaking New Ground

What makes these Indian productions special is how they navigate LGBTQ+ themes within a traditionally conservative culture. By weaving queer narratives with family dynamics, religious identity, and generational gaps, they show that love stories can transcend cultural boundaries.

If you’re interested in exploring more Asian sapphic content, check out our guides to classic Japanese lesbian films, Korean GL dramas, and the latest Thai GL series. For more contemporary stories, don’t miss Nevertheless and Chaser Game.

Remember to support these films and shows when you can! Every view helps ensure more diverse stories will be told. 🌈✨