Pradeep Sarkar’s Arranged Marriage Questions Regressive Ideas About Homosexuality And Here’s Why You Should Watch It

Arranged Marriage is a part of the ZEE5’s Forbidden Love anthology which presents a modern-day take on love and relationships. The 40-minute long film helmed by the National Award-winning director Pradeep Sarkar boasts of a stellar star cast consisting of Ali Fazal, Patralekhaa, and Omkar Kapoor in pivotal roles. Set in the busy suburbs of Kolkata, the film is an exploration of a topic which is still considered a taboo in Indian society. It sheds light on the same-sex relationships which are frowned upon even in contemporary times. The story tries to normalise the concept of homosexuality and questions the regressive ideas making it socially relevant.

Watch the film on ZEE5 here.

The film is the journey of Dev, Neel, and Keya which unfolds with just a hint of infidelity taking us into the dark, forsaken corners of love. While exploring the theme of same-sex relationships, the film dives into that side of humans which remains hidden from the outer world. The protagonists Dev (Ali Fazal) and Neel (Omkar Kapoor) are finding it difficult to come out of the closet and hence choose to go with the flow. Things go south when Neel gets married to Dev’s sister Keya (Patralekhaa). While the newlywed bride is adjusting to the new environment, she comes across some disturbing secrets about the two gay men whom she believed to be just friends.

Despite living in the 21st Century, homosexuality is something that isn’t openly discussed and debated. A section of the society still considers it to be unnatural. These are the people because of whom Neel and Dev have to suffer in the film. On the other hand, there’s Keya who is in denial of her husband’s sexuality. Even though its quite clear that Neel is gay, Keya isn’t able to digest the fact. She seeks help first from her confidant Kaki and then from the psychiatric doctor- both of whom are embodiments of regressive ideas. They believe that homosexuality is a disease that needs to be cured which mirrors the orthodox thinking of the modern-day society.

As the film heads towards its gloomy end, we’re reminded of how the rigorous practices and superstitions have seeped within the society. We’re also left to brood on the fact that homosexuality which was recently decriminalised by Supreme Court’s historic judgement is yet to be normalised. This film looks like a step towards changing society’s perception around same-sex marriages. Arranged Marriage‘s success lies in its relevance to the modern-day world which is almost always misinformed about homosexuality and other such sensitive issues.

You can now watch the film Anamika from the four-part anthology Forbidden Love with the premium subscription of ZEE5.