Boys’ Love is evolving and has turned into a revolution. Since its inception in Japan, it has slowly spread its wings and conquered Thailand, Taiwan and even China. Queer content, which was initially viewed under a homophobic lens in most Asian countries, has attained commercial value. It is gaining attention & global popularity. Finally, the revolution has reached the Indian shores, and we are celebrating its advent!!
Mujhe Rang De S1 & S2
Starring Garvit Ahuja & Chaitanya Vyas in lead roles, “Mujhe Rang De” turned an unknown YouTube Channel into a popular enterprise. The storyline focuses on Shikhar & Agastya’s ever evolving relationship. Shikhar is an out and proud gay man. His best friend, Maya has been dating Agastya. They seem pretty much into each other, but Shikhar has his own doubts about Agastya. Sure enough, he soon learns that Agastya is a closeted gay. When Meera senses the same thing, she respectfully breaks up with Agastya while they decide to remain friends. While working on an art project together, Shikhar & Agastya grew closer. However, Shikar has been burned before and is a detached character. Season One focuses on their budding relationship as Shikhar learns to move past the betrayal he faced and comes to terms with his feelings for Agastya.
Season Two focuses on their journey one year later, when Shikhar’s ex-boyfriend Tarun (Rohit Chaudhary) returns and causes chaos in their peaceful life. Agastya grows anxious and invites him into their home, widening the distance between him and Shikhar. Tarun ends up falling in love with Agastya. The emotional turmoil coupled with guilt causes their breakup. How they strum past these issues becomes the crux of S2!
Garvit and Chaitanya have strong chemistry. Their natural closeness speaks volumes about the comfort they share.
Koi Naam Na Do S1 & S2
Following the success of “Mujhe Rang De”, Last Leaf Pictures spearheaded their second project, which gained equal popularity. Starring Sahill Uppal & Aaryan Dhawan in lead roles, the story focuses on a struggling straight actor and his very gay best friend. Anshul has a chance encounter with Kavith while they are traveling in train. Surprisingly, they end up sharing a room because both have budget constraints. Kavith is an openly gay man, quite melodramatic and eagerly awaiting the “True Love” of his life. As they spend time together, Kavith falls hopelessly in love with Kavith, even though he keeps reiterating that he only thinks of Kavith as a friend. Kavith develops an unrequited love for Anshul which borders on obsession.
Season Two has a time leap of two years wherein Anshul has become a big star and is dating a popular actress. He ended his friendship with Kavith to put an end to his obsession. They reunite at an outdoor location where Kavith is vacationing. As they reconcile, Anshul is happy and Kavith yet again becomes obsessed. In the midst of this growing confusion, Kavith gets close to Anshul’s designer, Ahaan (U Jay). Ahaan selflessly loves Kavith and ends up hurt because Kavith can’t give up on Anshul. Season Two ends on unexpected note where Anshul helps Kavith to reconcile with Ahaan. Later, it is revealed that Anshul has always been in love with Kavith.
Aaryan has a comparable chemistry with both Sahill & U Jay. It is becoming increasingly difficult to choose between the two, and as such, only the upcoming sequel can cease these endless speculations!!
Tera Bann Chala Hoon
Starring Samridh Bawa & Rakshit Singh Yaduvanshi in the lead roles, “Tera Bann Chala Hoon” has that authentic desi feel. The storyline focuses on Aayu who is a NEET aspirant. He only wishes to pass the said examination, so he could join the university where his boyfriend studies. His dreams are crushed when the local goon Luv kidnaps him on the orders of his boss. They force Aayu to appear for the examination in his name and his year is wasted. Luv and Aayu have an intense confrontation later, when Aayu files a complaint against his boss. Luv realizes that he crushed Aayu’s ambitions and becomes guilt-ridden. To atone for his sin, Luv shifts to Aayu’s house and becomes his bodyguard. As they start living together, initially, Aayu is annoyed with Aayu. But after spending time together, they grow closer and end up falling in love. Samridh & Rakshit have sweet chemistry. They made an endearing pairing.
Lavender
Lavender marriages are becoming a distinct reality in countries where same-sex marriages are still not recognized. Starring Sumit Arora, Esha Pathak & Vaibhav Sharma in lead roles, the story is centered around Apoorva, an ordinary office worker and his boyfriend, Mohak. They have been in a long term relationship but Apoorva doesn’t have the courage to accept his sexuality or introduce Mohak as his boyfriend in front of his family. Things get complicated when Apoorva’s father falls sick, and he is forced to marry Jiya. Jiya finds out about Apoorva’s relationship with Mohak and enters into a “Lavender” marriage so she can escape her father’s control & pursue her dreams of becoming a content creator. Her arrival creates unwarranted tension between Apoorva & Mohak. Jia keeps teasing Mohak and he becomes more insecure. As tensions escalate, Mohak leaves home and Apoorva realizes that he cannot live without Mohak. Sumit & Vaibhav have a comfortable chemistry, the love triangle was pretty entertaining!
Dil Chaay Jare
SNF Bangla’s first BL production in Bengali is a heartfelt romance that touches your soul. Starring Souradeep Roy & Shivam Bakshi in lead roles, the story focuses on Meer, an introverted young man, carrying the weight of a tormented past. Meer is a devotee of Lord Krishna. He loves photography and is currently unemployed, much to the chagrin of his mother. Then he meets Krish, a budding model and actor. As they grow closer, Krish brings a new light into his life and teaches him to be more courageous. Souradeep & Shivam have a beautiful chemistry, it is an utter joy to watch them together. Right now, Meer and Krish seem to be on the threshold of friendship, which might soon tilt into romantic inclinations. Meer & Krish’s love story is solemn and blissful. We will keep cheering for them, despite the hundred problems they might face in future.
Indian BL is slowly evolving into a new trend, it might seem like a revolution. We agree that Indian television entertainment needs more queer-related content, by daring people who think out-of-the-box.