“All people should be treated equally regardless of who they are or who they love…” – Ending Quote

This is an astonishing and brilliant expose in connection to the antipathetic forces in today’s world that hopefully will someday be a footnote in history. Eventually we can look at this particular time-period and say, “Did they really do this to their own, simply because of who they loved!?”

Why does anyone think the glory days are in the past?

This is a simple story, really. A good-looking, young man of college age named Stephen D’Souza (Lakshay) aptly describes himself as ‘an average notable person’. He is quiet, studious, conforming, yet underneath something stirs deep inside him. By accident, he visits a coffee shop and casually notices the waiter. What is remarkable about this waiter is his compassion. One of the customers, because of a disability needs physical assistance, and he without prompting simply assists him. A true act of kindness, which seems to only enhance his natural beauty. Perhaps that is what gave Stephen the prudence to write down his number on a napkin and leave it for the waiter (Kishore). Theirs is not a society of acceptance and both take risks in deciding whether to meet or not. Let alone see each other. But the forces of nature are too strong in each and their love and need for one another is simply too great. And it all feels so – right.

But the unthinkable happens. Stephen’s father discovers them together in Stephen’s room and makes it clear to both that he will end this relationship. I wish words could more easily describe the pain and anguish that is experienced next but somehow, it all failed me. The language disappeared from me and all I am filled with is utter anguish and pain and ultimately profound sorrow. The ugliness and bitterness of bigotry, hatred, misunderstanding and the lack of simple acceptance becomes the standard from which we must accept individual behavior. Offering sometimes no way out and no alternatives. Except a tragic one. All for the sake of acquiescence to a false narrative of ‘normalcy’ or truth.

You will cry watching this. I did until my eyes were red. I understood the pain. For me personally, I was there once – a long time ago. Life is hard and at times almost unbearably difficult, when you are faced with being gay in a world that is so universally unacceptable. You are all alone – isolated scared, encased by hopelessness. I was one of the lucky ones. This is a story of the not so lucky ones.

Let us simply strive forward. Taking small step and then even greater ones. This short film represents a great step forward. Kudos.

This message is powerful. Feel it. Experience it. Remember this short film represents countless individuals who face this reality every day of their lives. We need to see these people and know their pain is real and undeniable.

The title from Tamil into English means ‘His He’. I was struck not only with its simplicity but by its elegance. If only the rest of the world could see love as simple and as elegantly as it truly is in all its forms.

Rating- 4.95 out of 5

Streaming on- 007 Productions YouTube Channel