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Avsar (Hindi) [Opportunity]

This Hindi movie is a pretty straightforward slice-of-life story that tries to give a modern look at what it's like to be a single, professional gay man. It dives into how he understands who he is, the chances he missed out on, and the personal choices he’s made along the way. The director used three parallel timelines to tell the story, which honestly didn't make much sense to me. While the core idea was actually pretty interesting, I really feel like this would have worked way better as a short film considering the point it was trying to make. Still, it wasn't a bad watch. The plot centers on Rachit, a city professional, and his friend Shikhar as they hang out for an evening. Rachit is a polished, urban guy, while Shikhar has more of a "small-town" rustic vibe, and you can really see the contrast between them when they talk. As the night goes on, Rachit starts thinking back to some old memories from a long time ago. He remembers being an intern after college in ...

Regarding Billy

Even after it has been few hours since I watched the film, I am having a little hard time making a decision on my thoughts of this film. I think the film had great potential as a short film but they dragged it on for a long time (it is really slow) and in turn it lost the essence, the magic and the intimacy that this film could have created with the audience. 

Dean and Billy are best of buddies and share a very nice, playful – but very frustrating – friendship. Out of the blue Dean announces that he is joining military for 4 years. Dean departs with much unsaid. In the meantime Billy's parents pass away and so now he moves back to the town to take care of his young learning-disabled brother Johny. Just when they were getting settled Dean comes back to the town and starts living with the brothers. Billy is ecstatic to see him but still is having a hard time telling him about it. The 3 men bond together and have a good time. Billy tries to tell Dean his true feelings for him a lot of times but always fails but when he finds out that Dean is probably turning blind soon because of military he cant hold back anymore and blurts out his feelings without fearing. Dean responds positively and admits to having loved Billy ever since he can remember. The 3 young men then share some intimate family moments. 

Like I mentioned abpve that the film was really slow but the underlying story was definitely beautiful. It also had beautiful mesage about love, companionship and a sense of family which I think all of us gays aspire to have. It's strange how few films attempt to manage the coming of adulthood, deal with being gay and coming out, and still find relationships that matter to us. This film manages to address all of these in a gentle and approachable manner. And yes the 2 men being attractive definitely helps ;) Definitely worth a watch if you dont mind a little sluggish pace at which the film progresses. (6/10)

Comments

ILHiker said…
I came to read your review of this one after commenting on Taekwondo. This movie was much like Plan B for me. I watched it awhile back and found it slow and dull. I watched it again a few years alter and it has become a re-watchable favorite. I think something shifted in me once I got into my 50s and slower-paced, romantic movies became more to my taste. I also stopped liking cheese and started linking the taste of cumin. Jeff London makes sentimental movies. At one point in my life that would have put me off, but these days it's a big point in their favor. Regarding Billy is my favorite of his movies, with Arizona and Best Day Ever not too far behind.
Golu said…
You may eme laugh with your statement "I also stopped liking cheese and started linking the taste of cumin"
There is no doubt that at various stages in our life, we get attracted to different kind of cinema. I clearly remember in my 20s I used to LOVE the so called 'chick-flicks' but I can't stand the sight of them anymore and I constantly question my sanity for having ever liked them

Same with gay films, I do enjoy more serious meaningful cinema now. Although having said that, I still do have my guilty pleasures with some hardcore teenage gay romance series/films.