Director P. Sunil Kumar Reddy, known for making films based on socially relevant themes, has directed and produced the courtroom drama “LGBT – A Legal Battle” under the Shravya Films banner, with Subhash Chakravarthi Ravada serving as co-producer. The film explores the lives and struggles of gay and transgender individuals. The movie features LB Sriram, Ester Noronha, Raju Kher, Anand Chakrapani, and Preeti Nigam in key roles, alongside real transgender actors. Hima Rathod plays the female lead, while noted activists Chandramukhi, Laila, and gay rights activist Vishnu Teja have delivered mature and impactful performances. “LGBT – A Legal Battle” is scheduled for a nationwide release on the 19th of this month. The film’s team interacted with the media at a press meet held in Hyderabad today.
Telangana State Transgender Association President Laila said, “We have been fighting for our rights for a very long time, but we never received a proper platform to express our concerns. We are happy that director Sunil Kumar Reddy has made a film based on our struggles. We are not professional actors, but the director portrayed us exactly as we are in real life. We essentially played ourselves in this film. We hope the movie will bring the issues faced by the transgender community into the public spotlight.”
Gay Rights Activist Vishnu said, “I have been working for the rights of the gay community for nearly 12 years. In many Indian films, gay characters have often been used merely for comic relief. However, I have seen several international films that explore the issues faced by the gay community with great depth and sensitivity. In many other states, serious films about gay lives have helped change society’s perception of the community. For the first time in Telugu cinema, director Sunil Kumar Reddy is making such an effort. He spent time with us, understood our lives closely, and then made this film. We hope audiences support this project and that it brings positive change to our lives.”
Transgender Social Media Activist Sana Khan said, “Many people are unaware of what our lives are really like. Director Sunil Kumar Reddy has portrayed our journey, struggles, and emotions that the outside world rarely gets to see. We want society to recognize our talent rather than focus solely on our identity. We hope this film opens more opportunities for us and receives strong support from audiences.”
Transgender Instagram Activist and Actress Hima Rathod Said, “I hope this film changes the way society views us and removes the misconceptions people have about transgender individuals. Through my character, the director has highlighted the challenges we face in our daily lives. Acting alongside many well-known artists in this film has been a memorable experience.”
Director, Producer P. Sunil Kumar Reddy said, “Despite being a country that speaks of equality, transgender people continue to face severe discrimination. Numerous atrocities are committed against them, but many of these incidents are never registered as police cases. They rarely reach the courts, and justice is often denied. To date, there has not been a single transgender-related case that has resulted in a final court verdict and punishment. Nothing can be more unjust than that. For the first time, our film portrays a transgender legal case receiving complete justice. The film offers entertainment while also addressing serious social issues. We are initially releasing the film exclusively in multiplexes on the 19th. If audiences support it, we will expand the release to single-screen theaters as well. The Telugu version will be screened with English subtitles. This film is for audiences looking for fresh and meaningful content. It has already won the Best Film Award at an International Film Festival held in Pune. Our intention is that films like this should not remain limited to film festivals; they should become part of mainstream public discussion. This film is dedicated to the lives and struggles of the gay and transgender communities. We also faced several challenges during the censorship process.”
Cast – LB Sriram, Ester Noronha, Raju Kher, Anand Chakrapani, Preeti Nigam, Hima Rathod, Chandramukhi, Laila, Vishnu Teja, and others.
Technical Team
Editor: Raghavendra Reddy
Director of Photography: Santosh Shakti
Music: Pradeep Chandra
Banner: Shravya Films
Co-Producer: Subhash Chakravarthi Ravada
Writer, Producer & Director: P. Sunil Kumar Reddy
PRO: Satish K
