Will Prem Kapoor’s ‘Badnaam Basti’ Lead IFFM’s Pride Celebratory Night?
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Synopsis
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne celebrates inclusivity with the showcase of the restored version of ‘Badnaam Basti’, India’s first gay film, alongside highlights like the Australian premiere of ‘We Are Faheem and Karun’. This pride celebratory night is a significant tribute to queer cinema and South Asian identity.
Key Takeaways
- ‘Badnaam Basti’ is recognized as India’s first gay film.
- The film will be showcased during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on Pride Night.
- The festival highlights inclusivity and representation in cinema.
- ‘We Are Faheem and Karun’ will also have its Australian premiere.
- Events like IFFM are crucial for advocating LGBTQIA+ narratives.
Mumbai, July 22 (NationPress) The revitalized version of filmmaker Prem Kapoor’s 1971 film ‘Badnaam Basti’, hailed as India's pioneering gay film, is set to be featured during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) on its pride celebratory night.
This year, the IFFM will present nearly 75 films that embody themes of inclusivity touching on gender, race, sexuality, disability, and women's representation. A standout event is the LGBTQ+ Pride Night on August 22, which aims to deliver a heartfelt homage to queer cinema and the Queer South Asian identity in Australia.
This rare screening will honor the film's rich legacy, followed by the Australian premiere of We Are Faheem and Karun, an emotional queer love story directed by the renowned Onir.
According to IFFM Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange, “At IFFM, we recognize that cinema can foster connection and spark dialogue. We have a duty to reflect the diversity of our world.”
Bhowmik added: “This Pride Night is not merely a celebration of queer identity but also a reclamation of the space that has historically been unavailable to LGBTQIA+ narratives in Indian cinema. Through films like Badnaam Basti and We Are Faheem and Karun, we honor our past while embracing an inclusive storytelling future.”
Badnaam Basti is based on an eponymous novel by Hindi author Kamleshwar. It features performances by Nitin Sethi, Amar Kakkad, and Nandita Thakur. The film was believed to be lost for 40 years until a print surfaced in 2019.
The narrative unfolds a complex relationship among its three protagonists: Sarnam, a charming truck driver bandit, Bansuri, a beautiful woman he rescues from assault, and Shivraj, a temple worker later employed by Sarnam.
The festival will also debut acclaimed actress Tillotama Shome’s Bengali film “Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox”, which opens the IFFM.
Co-directed by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, Baksho Bondi, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival 2025, is produced by Tillotama and Jim Sarbh.
In this film, Tillotama Shome portrays Maya, set in a dusty Kolkata neighborhood, weaving a compelling story of love, resilience, and the quiet strength of a working woman navigating her daily life.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the profound impact of films like ‘Badnaam Basti’. They not only reflect our evolving societal norms but also pave the way for more inclusive narratives in Indian cinema. Such events at the IFFM are crucial for fostering dialogue and understanding in a diverse society.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Badnaam Basti’ about?
‘Badnaam Basti’ tells the story of a truck driver bandit, Sarnam, and his relationships with Bansuri and Shivraj, exploring themes of love and identity within the LGBTQ+ context.
Why is the IFFM important?
The IFFM plays a vital role in showcasing diverse stories that promote inclusivity and representation in cinema, particularly for marginalized communities.
When is the LGBTQ+ Pride Night at IFFM?
The LGBTQ+ Pride Night at IFFM is scheduled for August 22, featuring various films that celebrate queer narratives.
