“My Brother… Nikhil,” directed by then-debutante filmmaker Onir tested uncharted waters at the time of its release. The film is a harrowing portrayal of the poor treatment given to patients of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, as well as to members of the LGBTQ+ community in India.
Set in Goa, the film draws inspiration from true incidents. It revolves around Nikhil, an overachiever heralded as the state swimming champion who finds himself treated like a criminal after his AIDS diagnosis. Nikhil is kept at a distance by his neighbors, close friends, and his parents who banish Nikhil from their home. His parents are not only disappointed in him, they also disown him. They hold him solely responsible after they lose their high standing in society.
Nikhil tested positive as a result of coming in contact with a used syringe at a blood donation camp. However, Nikhil’s parents and many of his homophobic friends and colleagues think he has caught the virus from ‘sleeping around with men’. His only pillars of support are his sister Anamika, and his boyfriend Nigel, whom he chooses to stay with. He lives out the rest of his dying days with Nigel as he grew weaker from the disease.
This film draws inspiration from the real-life plight of the late AIDS activist Dominic D’Souza (known as Goa’s ‘Patient Zero’). It focuses on Nikhil’s inhumane incarceration in a dingy, isolated cell after his diagnosis and its aftermath. Nikhil’s sister becomes involved in a legal battle on his behalf, to try and free him from both the cell and the stigmatisation he faces. The movie not only questions the law, but also human behaviour when it comes to accepting a human being for who they are. And, even when it comes to allowing human beings their basic human rights.
“My Brother… Nikhil” focuses on HIV and prejudice smartly. Photo: Four Front Films, 2005.
Released in 2005, the themes explored in this movie are still fresh years later. The performances are memorable as it features some of the finest actors working in Indian cinema today. Sanjay Suri will leave you in tears with his performance as Nikhil. Juhi Chawla, through her performance as Anamika, is a woman who is strong, resilient and understanding of her brother’s pain. The supporting cast of Lilette Dubey as Nikhil’s mum, Victor Banerjee as Nikhil’s demanding father, Purab Kohli as the caring Nigel and others also turn in some great performances. The melodious soundtrack by Viveck Phillip complements the sensitive tone and strong relationships which are the focus of the movie.
*”My Brother… Nikhil” is currently available to watch for free on YouTube in addition to a few other streaming services. It’s definitely worth your time, so do check it out.
