Relating to My Brother Nikhil

A scene from the movie

Loosely based on Robert Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's documentary, Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt, My Brother Nikhil confronts us with the reality of HIV/AIDS with simplicity and straightforwardness. The beauty of the film lies in the fact that the emotion builds up gradually and the layers slowly envelope and grip you.

For a film of this genre to strike a note, it has to be embellished with compelling performances and a strong emotional quotient. And My Brother Nikhil is rich in both departments.

Editor turned director Onir's execution of the subject is laudable. The narrative focuses on the HIV/AIDS issue and the relationships induced by the disease: father-son, brother-sister, lovers, without going overboard. One of its key accomplishments is that it clears the misconception that AIDS is a 'gay disease'. But the director scores distinction marks in the last 20 minutes of the enterprise. The emotional sequences are sure to melt even the stone-hearted and the finale, although tragic, talks of hope, not despair.

My Brother Nikhil is perhaps the first Indian film that throws light on the gay relationship without making a mockery of one's sexual preferences. The issue is handled with utmost sensitivity and looks at relationships from a broader perspective. Clearly, Hindi cinema is coming of age and issues such as HIV/AIDS and gay relationships are being discussed with the same freedom and openness as any other issue.

My Brother Nikhil depicts the story of a man who suddenly falls from grace and is socially ostracised. His parents, friends and colleagues turn their backs on him. Suddenly, his whole world collapses. Nikhil is sent to a secluded hospital ward and kept in solitary confinement. Reason: He has been tested HIV Positive.

Nikhil's father, who is unable to face social humiliation, abandons him. But Anu, Nikhil's sister defies her parents and stands by her brother. Another person who stands by Nikhil during this difficult phase is his friend and lover, Nigel.

My Brother Nikhil is punctuated with superior performances and topping the list is, without doubt, Sanjay Suri as Nikhil; a performance that deserves an ovation. Juhi Chawla as Nikhil's sister, is in complete form. There's no denying that her performance in this film would rank amongst the finest in her career.