Envy(2025)
Sumit Pandey, a feared yet admired "bad boy" in a tier-2 city college, hides a truth he cannot face—his struggle with sexuality. With ambitions of winning student elections, his loyal friends back him, though they bully others. His fragile façade shatters when Shrey, an openly queer and unapologetically authentic student, arrives, earning respect that Pandey secretly envies. Torn between resentment and admiration, Pandey lashes out, ordering an attack on Shrey, only to find no peace. Realizing his true battle is with self-acceptance, he takes a small but hopeful step toward embracing his identity.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 5 June 2025
- Director
- Ronit Singha
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 11m
Storyline
Sumit Pandey is a popular but intimidating college student who hides his struggle with his sexuality. When a confident, openly queer student named Shrey arrives and earns respect, Sumit's jealousy leads him to attack Shrey. After this, Sumit realizes he must confront his own self-hatred and begins to accept his true identity.
“Fear the boy who fears himself.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's director, Ronit Singha, previously directed award-winning short films on LGBTQ+ themes before making his feature debut.
- The movie was shot on location in Varanasi to capture the authentic atmosphere of a tier-2 city college.
- The actor playing Shrey, Aryan Kapoor, is openly queer in real life and advocated for script changes to better reflect his character.
- The film's climax scene was improvised during rehearsals based on the lead actors' emotional input.
- Envy's soundtrack features a song by a popular indie artist that addresses internalized homophobia.
- The script was workshopped with LGBTQ+ youth groups to ensure the portrayal of Shrey's character felt genuine.
- Despite its serious themes, the film includes subtle references to classic Bollywood 'bromance' movies from the 2000s.