My Brother... Nikhil

Director: Onir
Cast: Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla, Purab Kohli, Lilette Dubey, Victor Banerjee, Gautam Kapoor, Shweta Keswani

7/10

There are moments in My Brother?Nikhil, which stay with you, long after the end credits roll and the lights come on again. Like Sanjay Suri swimming determinedly against the tall, powerful waves in a restless sea (a metaphor, perhaps, for his struggle against AIDS). Like Purab Kohli folding Sanjay?s trousers, so he can feel the sea, rushing in to meet him. Like Sanjay and Purab sitting together by the sea, in the early hours of the morning, waiting for the sun. Like the strains of Le chalen, which bring back a flood of memories.

Debutant director Onir poignantly documents the struggle of a state swimming champion diagnosed HIV+ at a time (the late 80s) when public awareness about AIDS was low, and misconceptions were rampant.

The film is remarkable for its sensitive portrayal of the gay relationship between Sanjay and Purab. Seldom has a gay relationship been treated with such tenderness and respect. The close emotional bond between Juhi and Sanjay is also a refreshing change from the stereotyped raakhi-tying and honour-saving depiction of a brother-sister relationship. However, the first half suffers from a lack of cohesion. Certain things are unclear, such as, why was Sanjay arrested?

Sanjay does justice to the title role, putting in a restrained yet finely nuanced performance. Warm, dignified and strong, Juhi impresses once again after Teen Deewarein. Lilette Dubey is convincing as the heartbroken, humiliated mother who shuns her ?little boy? at his darkest hour. Victor Banerjee?s theatrical acting is a bit disappointing. But it is Purab who brings astonishing sensitivity, depth and quiet courage to the difficult role of Sanjay?s stigmatised partner.

Sohini Chattopadhyay