"How does national security have anything to do with my sexuality," asked filmmaker Onir on Saturday as he recalled how his film's script based on the life of a former Indian Army officer who was gay was allegedly banned by the Ministry of Defence.
From the ministry to BJP MP Varun Gandhi, everyone discussed this potential project except trying to initiate a conversation with him, claimed the National Award-winning director, who is openly gay and a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights.
"In 2005, when I made my film 'My Brother... Nikhil', it was released with a U certificate without cuts. In 2022, when I was trying to make a film, which was inspired by an ex army man about his being gay, the script got banned by the Ministry of Defence.