Kollywood beaming with ‘pride’, after verdict

Director Lokesh, who shot to fame through an independent film, En Magan Maghizhvan, which is all about a mother’s attempt at rapprochement with her gay son, says, “Last few minutes of my film, My Son is Gay, deals with the consequences of Section 377 and explores how a part of society brands them as criminals. I never thought that Supreme Court would come up with such a historic verdict within a short span of time, and I am happy about it. At least from now, filmmakers should be responsible enough to make sensible films on LGBT community, instead of portraying them in bad light. India is progressing, and we are heading in the right direction.” 

Actress Vishakha Singh was one of the first celebrities in Kollywood to celebrate this verdict with posts on social media. Ask her about it and she says, “I am so happy that the Supreme Court finally took this historic decision to decriminalize Section 377. It was an archaic British colonial-era law that should have been done away with long ago. I have a few friends who can finally come out of the closet now. Honestly, this feels like a personal win.” 

Malini Jeevarathinam, directed a documentary titled Ladies and Gentlemen that explores body politics and the stigma associated with the LGBTQ issues. She says, “I cried out loud in joy with my friends after hearing the verdict. We became so emotional as it gave us some hope to live. I have no words to express, and in fact we are planning to celebrate this historic moment for a week.” She adds, 

“During the time of my film’s release, many discouraged me for coming up with such content, and didn’t even understand the idea behind it. Now, the same people are calling me and talking about my film, after the SC’s verdict. I still don’t understand what kind of world we live in, but I am happy about this progress, and I feel proud.” 

Actors like Kamal Haasan and Trisha voiced their support for the community with a tweet. Kamal wrote, “Remarkable historic judgement from the Supreme Court. This was long overdue. The Supreme Court does not expect gratitude. Nevertheless “Thanks” on behalf of the citizens who revere fundamental rights.”  And Trisha posted saying, “Way to go #Equalrights #Section377 #JaiHo.”