Mango Souffle

Oh My God!! This film brings back all kinds of memories. This was the first-ever gay film that I saw in my life. I was doing my masters degree and hadn’t come to terms in accepting my sexuality. I used to love to watch independent films and went to the only local theatre, where this movie was playing. I din’t know what to expect, but I remember being slightly uncomfortable watching the film since it was my first exposure to the gay cinema and I was suddenly conscious of people around me and probably judging me. The movie ended and I went back to my room, had to make up stories for my room mates because I couldn't have told them what film I just saw. Thankfully, 16 years later, a lot has changed in my life and I am glad for everything. But watching this movie again was a reminder of what my growing up years were like and what I used to feel and go through. It just makes me more empathetic to other people’s struggles and stories. Ok enough of that, and now coming to this film.

Kamlesh is a successful fashion designer, openly gay to his family and friends. One day he invites closest of his friends for lunch and they all are wondering what thats about. The friends are a mix bunch. His ex-Sharad, a catty queen who is still bitter about his breakup with Kamlesh; TV star Bunny, who keeps reassuring himself and everyone else that he is straight, to the annoyance of his lover Ranjit and finally the fag hag who somehow loves and cares for Kamlesh. The big announcement turns out to be that Kamlesh is moving to Canada and that he wants promise from all his friends to never talk about Prakash, a guy with whom Kamlesh’s love affair did not end very well. Kamlesh’s sister Kiran makes a surprise visit and her fiance Ed. With a gasp, the group recognizes Ed as the elusive ex-boyfriend Prakash. Through flashbacks we find out how Kamlesh had met Prakash and love blossomed but Prakash was never comfortable being himself. And it was Kamlesh who introduced his sister to Prakash one evening at a club, knowing little that his sister will fall in love with him. And since, Prakash doesn’t want to come out in open, Kamlesh has decided to let the couple be and move away from everything around. Soon enough, the groups conspires to make sure, they make Kiran aware of the double game that Prakash (Ed) is playing. They all give a hard time to Prakash for not being courageous enough to be true to himself and in the process both Kamlesh and Kiran decide to let go off him from their lives.

This film now or at the time when it was released may not seem groundbreaking to Western viewers but the novelty of this film in the Indian cultural context is applause worthy. I mean, way back in 2002, there was no way anything like this could have been appreciated or seen by many. But I am glad someone had the balls to make a film on this subject. The film is entirely in English, reflecting the upper class status for Indians in this group. I guess the idea was to cater the viewers in urban centers with large gay and Indian-heritage populations. The direction is not the most polished, to be honest but now that I saw this film again, I appreciated the honesty and intent behind making this drama. The film, based originally on a play, feels very theatrical but I was trying to watch it ignoring all those negatives in this film. An Indian film dealing with both gay men and closeted men haunted by others' expectations was not easy. And guess what, it is still not easy. It’s a shame that the film never got the attention it deserved. As a viewer, it doesn’t come to as a surprise when it is revealed that Ed is indeed Prakash. But that’s not important. What is interesting to see how family and friends collide and how a gay brother is ready to give up love for the well-being of his sister who already is with low self-confidence and low self-esteem.

It’s a shame that not many folks have seen or heard about this film. Like I said before, it may be hard for anyone to connect with this film, but given the Indian sub context and culture and the fact that this film was made back in 2002, My ratings are just for the bravery shown by the makers and actors to do something groundbreaking. Yes, both acting and direction could be a lot better but sometimes its just better to let heart take over your mind. (6.5/10)