Aligarh(2016)
Aligarh is a 2015 Indian Hindi biographical drama film directed by Hansal Mehta. It stars Manoj Bajpayee as Professor Ramchandra Siras and Rajkummar Rao as journalist Deepu Sebastian. The film dramatizes the true story of a gay professor at Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended after a sting operation exposed his private life. It follows his legal battle for reinstatement and the personal toll of public humiliation. The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of loneliness and injustice. Bajpayee won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his performance. Aligarh premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and was released in India on 26 February 2016.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, Eros Now, Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 26 February 2016
- Director
- Hansal Mehta
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 54m
- Rating
- 7.3/10
Storyline
Professor Ramchandra Siras is a quiet Marathi teacher at Aligarh Muslim University. His life shatters when two journalists break into his home and film him with a man. The video goes viral, and the university suspends him. With help from a young journalist, he decides to fight the system in court.
“A love that dared to speak its name.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Aligarh
Cast reunions in this film: Rajkummar Rao & Hansal Mehta (3 films together).
Trivia
- The real-life journalist Deepu Sebastian played himself in the film, appearing in a cameo role.
- Director Hansal Mehta shot the film in just 18 days, using a very small crew and budget.
- Manoj Bajpayee prepared for his role by meeting the professor's friends and learning Marathi, the professor's native language.
- The film's release was delayed by the censor board, which initially gave it an 'A' certificate for adult audiences.
- Many scenes were filmed in real locations in Aligarh, including parts of the actual university campus.
- The title song 'Aligarh' was composed by the band 'The Local Train', which was relatively unknown at the time.
- The film was not a commercial success but won several awards, including Best Actor for Manoj Bajpayee at the Filmfare Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
News & Stories
Watch Deepu Sebastien (Rajkummar Rao) as he gets to the bottom of the allegations against Professor Siras (Manoj Bajpayee).