Gautam and Buddha

Director: Shayok Mukhopadhyay
Release Year: 2019

The 2019 documentary Gautam & Buddha, directed by Shayok Mukhopadhyay, offers an intimate and thought-provoking exploration into the lives of two best friends, Gautam and Buddha, who perform in the world of Gajon, a traditional, all-male traveling theater in rural India. Set against the backdrop of a socially conservative society, the film focuses on the complexities of identity, gender, and sexuality in rural India, particularly among men who cross-dress for their performances.

 

At the heart of the documentary are Gautam and Buddha, the charismatic and cross-dressing stars of the New Conquerors, a bold, bawdy theater group. Their performances take place in the rural areas of eastern India, where Gajon theater has been a significant cultural tradition for over 500 years. In these performances, traditionally all-male groups portray female roles, and it’s revealed that many of the actors in these troupes are gay - a reality that clashes with the norms of Indian society, where homosexuality is often viewed with disapproval and, until recently, had been criminalized under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. Buddha, one of the main figures in the documentary, is openly gay and unafraid to express his identity in a society that rarely accepts such openness. Gautam, his best friend, leads a more complicated life, as he has a wife and a son living in a nearby village. This tension between his roles as a family man and his identity within the theater provides a unique lens through which the film examines the intersection of personal identity and social norms. 

 

The documentary highlights the lives of these two men, not just on stage but off it, and provides a rare glimpse into the experiences of rural LGBT individuals. Mukhopadhyay skillfully captures the contrasts between Gautam and Buddha's personal lives and their on-stage personas. While Buddha’s sexuality is transparent, Gautam’s story is a more nuanced exploration of the pressures of maintaining a conventional family life while grappling with his true identity within the confines of a conservative society. As an Indian documentary producer, Mukhopadhyay's work centers on shedding light on the hidden aspects of Indian culture, particularly those that challenge mainstream perceptions. Gautam & Buddha isn't just a portrayal of rural theater; it’s a statement on the existence and visibility of gay people in spaces where their identities are suppressed or ignored. The film challenges preconceived notions of what it means to be gay in rural India, demonstrating that queer individuals are not only present but also active participants in cultural and social life, despite the pervasive stigma that surrounds them. 

 

The documentary’s portrayal of Gautam and Buddha goes beyond their performances in the Gajon theater. It’s an exploration of their daily lives - where Gautam is seen as a patriarch at home, managing a household and family, and yet becomes a completely different person in the theater, shedding his familial responsibilities to transform into a sassy, flamboyant queen. Buddha, meanwhile, faces complications in his personal relationships as his boyfriend back home often doubts his fidelity when he’s away performing. These personal dynamics offer a window into the emotional and psychological toll of living in a society that forces individuals to compartmentalize their identities. What makes Gautam & Buddha particularly impactful is its depiction of a harsh and unforgiving rural reality. The film, shot with minimal equipment and a handheld camera, creates an atmosphere of intimacy, inviting viewers into the everyday lives of the characters. The poverty and the simple, often harsh living conditions in which Gautam and Buddha live stand in stark contrast to the vibrant performances they give. 

 

However, the documentary refuses to focus on their poverty. Instead, it chooses to highlight their humanity and the complex emotional and social realities that these men face in their personal and professional lives. While the conditions of their lives may be rudimentary, their struggles, desires, and identities are anything but simplistic. India, under its current right-wing Hindu nationalist government, has increasingly promoted a narrow view of what constitutes Indian identity, often marginalizing Muslims, beef-eaters, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Homosexuality, in particular, is considered a Western import by many in the ruling class, and Section 377, which criminalizes gay sex, was reinstated by the Indian Supreme Court in 2013 after being struck down in 2009. 

 

In this climate of political conservatism, Gautam & Buddha becomes a powerful counter-narrative, reminding viewers that Indian identity is multifaceted and that the gay community exists and thrives in rural spaces, despite the lack of legal or social recognition. The rural poor, as represented by Gautam and Buddha, defy the common stereotype of being passive or uninterested in progressive social change. Their stories, although set in a context of limited resources and rural hardships, offer valuable insights into the resilience of queer identities even in the face of adversity. These men, despite the difficulties they face, carve out a space for themselves that is rich in both personal and cultural significance. 

 

Mukhopadhyay’s film serves a dual purpose: it is not only a documentary about the lives of these two men but also a call to action for urban LGBT activists to engage with and support rural gay communities. While urban centers in India have seen significant strides in LGBT visibility and rights, rural areas remain largely untouched by such progress. By documenting the lives of Gautam and Buddha, Mukhopadhyay aims to create awareness and inspire efforts to bridge this gap, hoping that urban LGBT activists will take it upon themselves to reach out to rural communities and foster inclusivity. The film, which has been funded by the PlanetRomeo Foundation, will continue to be developed for further fundraising, with the goal of bringing this important story to a wider audience. It’s a film that doesn’t only focus on the visible struggles of the LGBT community but also celebrates the quiet resilience and courage of individuals who navigate the intersections of identity, culture, and societal norms in rural India. In the end, Gautam & Buddha challenges our assumptions about India, rural life, and the lives of LGBT individuals. 

 

The documentary’s portrayal of Gautam and Buddha as complex, multidimensional human beings forces viewers to reconsider the simplistic portrayals often seen in media. Rather than focusing solely on oppression, the film emphasizes the agency and vitality of its subjects, and in doing so, it presents a new way of looking at how LGBT rights might be advanced in societies where these identities are often marginalized. It’s a poignant reminder that change begins at the grassroots level, and the future of LGBT rights in India - both urban and rural - may lie in the courage and resilience of people like Gautam and Buddha.

 

via: Vimeo

 planetromeofoundation.org and imdb

Image credits: Vimeo