Film on Indian Army’s Gay Major Stopped

Web Desk — Onir, a critically acclaimed filmmaker from India, wanted to make a movie about an army major who resigned and came out in a blaze of publicity – but despite the country’s democratic status, the military stopped it.

Onir, who uses only one name, is gay himself and was among the first prominent Bollywood figures to openly acknowledge his sexuality.

He is known for his films about socially marginalized groups, and his creative eye was caught by the case of Major J. Suresh, who made national headlines in 2020 after he quit the army and announced: “Out!! Proud!! Liberated!!”

Later, he gave a landmark interview on national television that went viral in the socially conservative country.

But when Onir approached the defense ministry for a “no-objection certificate” – which most studios, streaming platforms, and producers are now insisting upon to make sure there are no legal or administrative hurdles – he was turned down.