User reviews

Up until a decade ago, LGBTQ characters in Indian films, especially Bollywood, usually served as comic relief in a manner that would make today's audience cringe. Films like Kapoor And Sons, Aligarh, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and Badhaai Do were a refreshing change, with the sensitive way in which they approached their characters. One would think that with the mainstream push of what was once a taboo topic, along with the decriminalization of Article 377, our society would become somewhat sensitized towards a community that has long waited in the wings to find societal acceptance.

Except that the harsh reality is that in believing so is like living in a bubble. Even though we'd like to believe that society at large has become more progressive, the vast majority still cling on to the phobias of the past.

And that's exactly the premise on which Jeff Goldberg's 'Not Out' is built on. All his main characters, save one(Rahul), comfortably reside in the bubble of the Bandra-Juhu corridor, well known for its more progressive outlook. These are characters that can afford to be 'Out', by virtue of their privilege and their immediate protective surroundings. They have the luxury of being unapologetic about who they are, their wants, their desires. Their identities empower them. In coming out, they've earned their freedom.

Not Rahul, however. The lone outsider, who hails from the suburb of Chembur, who also has to deal with the fact that he is answerable not just to a pregnant wife, but to an unseen but largely hostile media and public attention, since Rahul, being a member of the Indian Cricket team, just cannot afford to be 'Out', in what is a very clever word play on the title. After all, he has a 'mainstream' image to cater to. His inner frustration, brilliantly channeled by Ashim Gulati, is given all the more fervour by Parthiva Nag's sometimes playful, mostly voyeuristic camera work, that never fails to capture the most intimate moments in the lives of these characters. As an audience, one does feel that they are eavesdropping on their most private moments and it is largely thanks to Parthiva's brilliant camera work, that the sexual tension mixed with Rahul's hesitation as he does something as innocent as holding Siddhant's(Namit Khanna) hands, is palpable. It's almost like watching a constant dance between desire and subsequent guilt, and that is the cinematographer's biggest merit.

Amongst the cast, Namit is excellent in scenes featuring him dealing with a recent trauma, although I did have some trouble in believing him as a writer, perhaps the film's only weak point. Natasha, as his childhood friend, Sanya, is fun to watch, especially when she is out to sink her claws into another character. It's Kashyap Shangari however, who is the show stealer, every bit convincing, and effortlessly natural as Siddhant's former lover. There is a painfully sweet and aching sentimentality with the way he portrays Aditya, that you cannot help but feel for this one sided lover.

The direction is top-notch. It is to the director's credit that each of his characters are wholly believable, and the film maintains a raw and gritty tone throughout, punctuated by some comic relief at just the right moments with the talented trio of Deepak Mann, Kamil Shaikh and Anil Mishra, the nightly hoodlums, whose banter reflects the grim reality of a nation burdened by unemployment, albeit in a humorous manner. It's a stark contrast to the main protagonists of the film. Here, Anil Mishra is a revelation to watch, and may even remind you of Vijay Sethupati's National Award winning performance in Super Deluxe. In the hands of a lesser director however, the film could have just digressed with their subplot, but Mr. Goldberg maintains a tight grip throughout on the narrative and tone, easily navigating through the non linear structure of the screenplay, for which, he doubles up as the writer as well.

Watch out for some really cool directing flourishes. Be it the director's usage of a flickering tube-light during what was one of most uncomfortable, harrowing sequences to watch. Or an extended sequence down a flight of stairs that really puts you, the audience, in the character's traumatic frame of mind. My favorite one however, was the one featuring a series of shots of different party-goers, staring directly into the camera, ably capturing what I could only interpret as a snapshot of a community that has long kept themselves hidden, but amongst themselves, nothing can stop them from being who they want to be. It's pastiche at its finest, and I can only assume that the director is a fan of Jean-Luc Godard. It's sequences like these that elevate the film beyond the usual tropes associated with films belonging to this genre.

Not Out could very well be the work of an auteur in the making.

The film is based in Mumbai. Love the way it started with a scene of what a typical afternoon looks like on the streets of Bandra.

The background score immediately gave me a sense that the movie was serious and something creepy is going to happen.

I found the movie a little slow initially as it takes a little time to build up. But as the plot becomes clearer I found myself getting more and more engaged.

Aashim Gulati's performance really does justice to his character in my opinion. He's in a dilemma caught between 2 lives and this has been depicted beautifully without over relying on the use of words or dialogues in general.

The series of events that unfold in the second half is where the action lies and I would say that the movie isn't really predictable. It even reminded me of the movie Shaitan a bit because it captures how an unfortunate incident can occur as a result of a youth's naivety.

By the end of the movie I felt quite grounded. The film left me moved. Such dilemmas as the one portrayed in the film is realistic and do exist in our society but they are mostly invisible and not spoken about. Which is what makes this film important. Kudos to the team for pulling it off, it wouldn't have been easy for sure!

The film "Not Out" stands apart from typical Bollywood movies. Unlike the constant push to watch or buy something, this movie doesn't sell anything-it's not commercial. Instead, it offers a filmmaker's vision, evoking emotions through visuals, camera movements, and impactful edits.

Although the beginning might feel slow and misleading, it all comes together in the end, leading to an emotional climax.

The film's climax hits hard. It's not just about winning or losing it's about the emotional stakes which you will be left reflecting on life, relationships, and the choices we make.

As you watch, you'll connect with each character and their unique journey. The film's strength lies in its screen presence and cinematography.

#NOTOUT - Indeed a soul winner!!!

Jeff Goldberg brings in a story from the minority to a larger community that still needs to grow when it comes to diminishing the discrimination.

The struggles of Siddhant and Rahul are real, the roles well essayed by Namit Khanna and Ashim Gulati. They make you feel their ordeal and help you connect with the characters they play. Magic of writing works and so does Jeffs direction, getting the right emotion and execution. The poetic touch penetrates the experience to a deeper philosophy, whilst sometimes you make a choice and at times you take responsibility and choose What is important empowering your own decision living for yourself than the society.

The film navigates well to the path from where it started leaving you with the pain of protagonist empathising you with the helplessness one suffers.

The only thing over the top was the signal chatter of Kiki and gang though an integral part yet doesn't really lands well.

A Jeff Goldberg Film is a three time Best LGBTQ+ film and five time Official Selection.

You can watch the trailer at the link below And the film is streaming now BookMyShow.

PK Verdict: Silver Plus 3.5🌟s.

Walking into the screening of 'Not Out' with absolutely no clue of the baseline or the essence of the movie in a room full of people that slowly appeared on the screen as the movie played to begin with showed how each character held their role to their hearts.

The title of the movie just hits base with every scene of the movie, be it with cricket, coming out of the closet, not getting caught with crime and various other social issues. As an audience you really get a sense of Why,What and How each character went through that particular period of their life and makes us understand Love in such a pure and simple way !

It's a Must watch movie and you'll understand once you do watch it !

The film is a heart touching story of unrequited love between. Siddhant and Rahul. Despite the love between the two they are unable to be together because of social norms. The story is very pertinent to our social fabric of judgement and non acceptance.

The background music complements the theme beautifully. The performances are honest and gritty. The director Jeff Goldberg brings the story of the struggle of two lovers to life.set in mumbai. The screenplay and the narrative style helps us deep dive into the intimate lives and struggles of Siddhanth and Rahul. The sets beautifully immerse us into the world of the characters.

The film cuts across time and space introducing a variety of characters from a wide array of the Indian socio-economic fabric to reveal a heart touching story of love, violence and the choices people make because of societal pressures and judgements.

The film lingers on, much after you have finished watching it.

Radhika.

I recently watched Not out and was really moved by the movie. It beautifully portrays the stigma around homosexuality and the male sexual abuse in India.

The movie hits you exactly where it should! We all have Siddhant and Rahul amongst us but we as a society makes no effort to help them navigate through their struggles. Kudos to Jeff for addressing such a pressing issue with such an ease. The movie is crisp with solid direction. The cast has done brilliantly and took their roles to their heart. Loved the soundtrack!

Overall, this is a great movie with a mix of social stigma and a love story rolled into one. If you are looking for an unconventional watch pertaining to Indian cinema, this is unquestionably the movie for you.

-The film was shot mostly handheld, it makes it look lifelike and gives that eerie feeling throughout the film -Rahul's wife is talking to her mother in her mother tongue on the phone, difficult for a Non Indian director to give that direction, well done -Jeff is soo adorable in the movie, I had a smile every time he appeared on screen -Liked the inclusion of the characters who keep giving socio/political commentary, in those moments I completely used to forget I am watching a film and I felt as if I am there with them -The non linear screenplay really worked for me, kept me engaged and curious throughout -The exchange where he says "you're helping your guilt" was really well written -A part in the film that I won't disclose, the way it was shot and the lighting, made it really really disturbing.

The title in itself is one that plays on multiple themes, breaking into something that is so intense and fearful as soon as the film begins, and from that moment on, I was drawn in for the narration that followed...

As the scenes play out, the movie takes you into a visual of our realities in life- WHAT REALITIES YOU ASK?

The stereotypes that we all can't live with but can't seem to live without either; be it specific to -homosexuality, -violence against men(that is rarely addressed), -the effect of economic status playing on the roles of men and women in any given relationship, and -one's childhood affecting our present state of being (Speaking of childhood, the director/writer's son makes his debut so beautifully quiet that I know he is going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up Jeff - not for the role he takes on, because for all that he will politely say no to)

Every scene set up by Nicole (set designer), adds ever so subliminally for the audience to read a situation.

As each plot engages you in a series of events that lead to a tragic point in the lead character's life, the entire premise becomes a grey area, because this film is not about making a judgement call on good/bad, right/wrong- it's about showing you what's already out there and you get to decide how you feel about that.

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The Jeffery Goldberg studio is not just a beautiful space for intimate gatherings when it comes to theatre & film but they also have method acting training / youth programs as well! So, those of you who are into theatre, want to learn the craft and art of performance, movement - CHECK OUT THIS SPACE !

Thank you Jeffery & Nicole for having me at this lovely space for an evening I will never forget. For those of you who haven't, watch NOT OUT TODAY.

The movie started with a slow built up which made me biting my nails out of curiousity. As the story unveiling began it was such a smooth ride. It was easy to connect to every character and understand where they were coming from, which makes me hooked to a film. The message we all knew was there and we all knew what it would be but again the whole fun is in the momentum of the story revolving around the characters and the plot which was beautifully portrayed. Would really want the people to watch this, the awareness is needed. I hope it reaches the mass target audience. Thank you to the people involved in this project.

This film keeps you thinking long after it's over. The characters are well established and the direction takes you on an unexpected journey. We live in a society where we have learnt to turn a blind eye to things around us. What happens when different worlds collide? Is love defined by the society we live in? Will the choices we make in our life haunt us forever?

This film definitely makes you re evaluate the world around us.

I could not stop myself from being pulled into the lives of the characters and become invested in their journey with every twist and turn.

The film may feel slow paced at certain points but still keeps you interested.

It is not easy to follow in the beginning as I was as disoriented in the first 15 mins just as Sid.

It was only after Rahul's entry to Sid's home that I felt I was following the narrative.

I thought I wouldn't relate to the LGBTQIA+ overtones and I still do not but I relate to the way Rahul's own turmoil of ya and nay went on.

The scene where the cop does Sid brutally done is the twist that was unexpected and real. I mean I have watched Irreversible and still was taken aback by the rawness of the scene.

In my younger days I would not have spent to watch Not Out but the present me likes this movie.