Being Banned in its Namesake City hasn’t Stopped Positive Reactions for ‘Aligarh’

Public officials from Aligarh have stated that they simply worry about the movie’s overall impact on the reputation of both the city and Aligarh Muslim University

When the trailer of Manoj Bajpayee-Rajkumar Rao starrer “Aligarh” released, I had anticipated some pretty intense reactions across India. The movie, which released on Feb 26, traces the life of Professor Srinivas Siras who was fired from his position at Aligarh Muslim University because he was homosexual. At a time in our country when Section 377 is causing such a political chaos, a movie like this one is a very important reflection of how our society perceives homosexuality. Unfortunately, it is not a good view.

After some initial buzz that the city of Aligarh had banned the film, now it seems that theaters there are “uneasy” about showing the movie. Other public officials from Aligarh have stated that they simply worry about the movie’s overall impact on the reputation of both the city and Aligarh Muslim University.  But, frankly, maybe they should have thought about that several years ago when the actual drama unfolded so unfairly.

We will not let the film run in the city at any cost: Aligarh Mayor Shakuntala Bharti on film #Aligarh

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 28, 2016

And wt this utterly stupid move the city of #Aligarh proves its intolerance n bigotry (yet) again!@BajpayeeManoj pic.twitter.com/gJyooiGB5z — atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) February 28, 2016

Sad some bigots in #Aligarh not able to deal with movie Aligarh. Homosexuality is as much a legitimate orientation as convential sexuality! — Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) February 28, 2016

This controversy aside, the reactions to “Aligarh” have been overwhelmingly positive. Most critics have given Manoj Bajpayee’s performance absolutely glowing reviews and have overall loved the film for its earnest portrayal of the story of Professor Siras and the importance of human rights.

#Aligarh @BajpayeeManoj @RajkummarRao @mehtahansal let’s All salute team Aligarh Hansal take a bow a Manoj Bajpayee happens only once ever

— Rakeysh Mehra (@RakeyshOmMehra) February 28, 2016

.@anupamachopra reviews #Aligarh, says @BajpayeeManoj’s performance is the best of 2016: https://t.co/pLRZivj6s5 pic.twitter.com/RSVRNX3TvV

— ScoopWhoop (@ScoopWhoop) February 27, 2016

.@BajpayeeManoj gives his most layered performance yet in #Aligarh. Full review here: https://t.co/xMjjD5gmVv pic.twitter.com/ZUoqYPm5bt — Filmfare (@filmfare) February 26, 2016

Thrilled that #Aligarh is among the best reviewed & highest rated films in a long time. This ad makes me so proud. pic.twitter.com/3QGP6QMxon — #AmIDrunk? (@Apurvasrani) February 28, 2016

However, word of mouth along with this review have reported that the somewhat tediously slow pace of “Aligarh” drags the narrative down and dilutes the message of the film.

‘Aligarh’ keeps you at arm’s length, says @SupraMario https://t.co/W5tuDK2wwL pic.twitter.com/baHX18hAan

— HuffPost India (@HuffPostIndia) February 26, 2016

Even without having seen the movie, I can honestly believe that this is a film that needs to be seen. If for no other reason than to continue to increase awareness about the importance of fighting for LGBT rights in India.

Check out the trailer here: