Director M.B. Padmakumar faced societal backlash for depicting homosexual love in film.

Film director M.B. Padmakumar delved into the complexities surrounding his film, “My Life Partner,” which tackled the theme of homosexual love back in 2014. Despite the film’s eventual recognition with a State award for the second-best film and actor Sudev Nair receiving the best actor award, Padmakumar shared the uphill battle in getting the film exhibited. The absence of A-list actors led to theaters hesitating to showcase it, and in instances where it was released, some centers replaced it with another film, ‘Garbha Shriman.’

Padmakumar shed light on the sacrifices made by the film’s producer, who later resorted to selling its rights to an online channel. The film, “My Life Partner,” faced challenges in finding its audience, eventually being divided into parts and uploaded on a YouTube channel.

In contrast, Padmakumar expressed joy over the positive reception of Jeo Baby’s ‘Kaathal-The Core,’ another Malayalam movie exploring same-sex romance. He specifically praised Mammootty’s performance in “Kaathal,” highlighting a powerful scene where the character repeatedly washes his face in front of a mirror. According to Padmakumar, Mammootty’s portrayal encapsulated the character’s struggle against societal labels, showcasing a profound understanding of the role.

Reflecting on his own journey, Padmakumar reminisced about the societal backlash he faced, including accusations of making a film based on homosexual love. He opened up about the mental pressure in 2014, noting that society threw stones at him for creating a movie that challenged societal norms. The impact extended to his personal life, with his children facing judgment at school, exacerbating the emotional toll.

Despite the challenges, Padmakumar expressed pride in “My Life Partner,” emphasizing its role as a mirror held against society. He recalled attempting to garner support from established superstars, only to face rejection. The director’s journey in the film industry, from acting roles to directing a short film called ‘Silent Colours,’ showcased his diverse experiences and perseverance in bringing unique narratives to the forefront.