First Gujarati gay film stalled, thanks to government diktat

The first attempt already seems to be mired in controversy. “Meghdhanusya” (The Colour of Life), the first Gujarati film on gays which was to be released in May is yet to be released.

Reason: The state government wants words like “homosexuality” and “gay” to be muted and refuses to give any tax rebate either.

The film with the central character being a homesexual, depicts the realisation of a child about his preferences as a child, his teenage and the humiliation that he faces from friends and relatives for being “different” in the society. The film is the first such attempt by any Gujarati director for Gollywood.

The director has so far not been able to promote the film and convey its message as well.
Speaking about the difficulties and the hurdles, director K R Devmani said, “The Censor board has given a clearance and has asked us to go ahead with the release, but as the film has a social message we had approached the state government for a tax rebate.”

But the state entertainment department turned down the request. On the contrary, it asked the makers to mute some words as well as the introductory speech by gay Prince Manvendrasinh Gohil. Devmani said, “It is difficult to adhere to the state government’s request. So we have now approached the high court.” The production house and the director have filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court .

Supporting the director, Gohil said, “It is a film which highlights the insult that an individual faces if he declares himself as a gay in this society.” He said that since the film had a social message the state government should consider giving it a tax rebate.