Transgender films

In English, we have many notable Transgender themed films like The Beautiful Boxer, Soldier's girl, Normal, TransAmerica and Boys don't cry. Among the Indian languages, there have been a few films in Hindi and in Tamil.

In Hindi Dharmiyan, Tamanna, Shabnam Mousi and Dhaayra were notable. In Tamil, we have Navarasa and Achupizhai. Reputed Indian cinematographer/Director Santhosh Sivan made a beautiful and touching film on the Indian Transgendered community called 'Navarasa'. It received National Film Award and several other film awards across the globe. Unfortunately, the movie did not reach the 99 % of the audience because it was not a commercial film.

The purpose of the film or its message, as I understood after watching it on DVD (given to me by a media student), was to let the world know the life struggles of Transgenders. Santhosh succeeded in winning awards but the film has reached only very few segments of the public.

The film media has finally realized that Transwomen are 'human beings too'. Currently four films are being made in Tamil with Transgenders in the lead or in an important character.

1. Thenavettu starring Tamil Hero Jeeva has Revathi (author of a book) in an important role along with other Transgenders.

2.Naan Kadavul has a transgender in a posiive role.

3. Paal, the first Tamil film which is all about a transwoman's life - starring Transwoman Karpaga in the laed role and several other Transwomen working for the film, Paal is a much expected film among Transwomen of Tamilnadu.

4. Nandalala, a film by Mishkin, has classical dancer and transgender woman Lakshya in an important role.

An appeal to Tamil film makers