9 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 Bollywood lesbian stories are particularly fascinating because they tackle LGBTQ+ themes within India’s rich cultural context. Let’s check out these groundbreaking works! 🌈

Badhaai Do (2022)

In this groundbreaking film, Shardul and Suman enter into a marriage of convenience – a “lavender marriage” that allows both to live their authentic lives while maintaining social appearances. The story takes an interesting turn when Suman’s girlfriend moves in with them, leading to a complex exploration of relationships, identity, and social expectations.

What makes this film particularly significant is its timing – just four years after India’s decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018, it boldly tackles topics like lavender marriages and LGBTQ+ adoption. The film masterfully balances humor with serious social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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.

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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.

How I Felt When I Saw a Girl (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.

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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Margarita with a Straw (2015)

This beautifully crafted film follows Laila, a talented Delhi University student with cerebral palsy, who is also an aspiring writer and lyricist for her college band. After facing rejection from her first crush – the band’s lead singer – Laila embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to New York, where she meets the confident and blind activist Khanum.

What sets this film apart is its intersectional approach to identity – exploring disability, sexuality, and self-acceptance with remarkable sensitivity. The film eschews melodrama in favor of authentic character development, with stunning cinematography and a mesmerizing soundtrack that elevates the storytelling. Kalki Koechlin’s nuanced performance as Laila brings depth and authenticity to this complex character.

Sancharram (2005)

Set in a serene Indian village, “The Journey” (Sancharram) tells the story of Kiran and Delilah, childhood friends whose relationship transforms after a heartfelt love letter sparks deeper feelings between them. Unlike typical Bollywood productions, this film takes a more intimate approach, focusing on the subtle dynamics of forbidden love in a traditional society.

Director Ligy J. Pullappally crafts a visually stunning narrative that feels both culturally specific and universally relatable. The film delicately balances the beauty of first love with the harsh realities of societal pressure, creating a powerful commentary on tradition, religion, and personal freedom in contemporary India.

Fire (1996)

Deepa Mehta’s groundbreaking film “Fire” – the first installment of her Elements trilogy – boldly explores female sexuality and desire in traditional Indian society. The story centers on Sita (Nandita Das), a young woman trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, who finds an unexpected connection with her sister-in-law Radh.

Rich with cultural symbolism and metaphor, the film masterfully weaves together themes of tradition, modernity, and female empowerment. Each frame is carefully composed to reflect the characters’ inner struggles, while the performances by Das and Azmi bring remarkable depth to their roles. The film caused considerable controversy upon its release, sparking important discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema.

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. 🌈✨