Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele (2020)

I am a fan of Anshuman Jha, so I naturally enjoyed watching Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele (I Am Alone, So Are You), a drama about two homosexuals trying to find love in a world where homosexuality is still taboo. Because he lacks the courage to come out in front of his father, Veer (Jha), runs off to Delhi to find solace in his longtime lover who is married to someone else. There he meets Mansi (Zareen Khan), a lesbian who is getting ready to go and meet her flame in Himachal Pradesh. Off they go together and so forms a strong bond of companionship between them as the drama takes a romantic turn and gives food for thought about genderless relationships and the true meaning of love. The writing is a bit off in some parts, but Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele manages to take off slowly. At times, you wonder what's so funny that the characters are laughing, and it's mostly the weird dialogues that seem artificial in this low budget setting. I also felt Khan has lost her touch in acting or she was not putting much efforts. And then there is this scene where the duo rush off in their jeep without paying a dhabewala. But despite its flaws, I enjoyed the film, its soundtrack, and overall mood brought out by Jha and Khan. (Grade B-). TN. (Reviewed during its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).)