In this updated guide, we explore the best, most impactful, and most recent Indian movies featuring transgender protagonists, Hijra communities, and gender-nonconforming leads.
This is arguably the first Indian "biopic" of a Hijra. Based on the life of Living Smile Vidya, it tells the story of a man who transitions to a woman. While low on budget, it is high on emotional impact and won the National Film Award. indian ladyboy movies updated
There is a growing debate and movement regarding casting. While A-list male actors playing trans women still occurs (drawing criticism for taking opportunities from trans actors), low-budget and independent films are increasingly casting trans actors in trans roles. In this updated guide, we explore the best,
: A mainstream Bollywood romantic comedy-drama where Ayushmann Khurrana falls in love with a Zumba instructor (Vaani Kapoor), only to later learn she is a trans woman. It was noted for bringing trans conversations to a commercial audience. Super Deluxe (2019) While low on budget, it is high on
Set to drop in late 2025, Nirvana Inn is a horror movie set in a Himalayan guesthouse run by a Hijra collective. This is the first "genre" film (horror/thriller) where the third gender is not the punchline or the victim, but the terrifying protagonist. Expect this to top the "updated" lists by December 2025.
For more updated or newer films, you might want to search through:
The last three years have produced the most accessible and well-written "Indian ladyboy movies." These are the films you need to watch