Starring: Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla, Victor Banerjee, Lillete Dubey, Purab Kohli, Dipannita Sharma, Gautam Kapoor, Shweta Kwaatra, Peeya Rai Chowdhury and Shayan Munshi
Story and Screenplay: Onir

There is nothing emotionally easy about watching ‘My Brother Nikhil’ a  film that gradually exposes the long-term impact a gay relationship has had on the life of the victim, and on the lives of those who know him. It's important to not be put off by such emotional complexity however, as Director Onir thoughtful approach to revealing the facts of the issue combines with the delicate characterizations of  the script to create a rewarding, starkly honest film.

The film is set in the period of 1989 in Goa where the  AIDS awareness  in India  was minimal, while fear and misconception were at maximum. Based loosely on a true story , the structure of this film is the story of a man recounted by his sister and other people he knew on his death anniversary (1993)Told through the narrative of his sister Anamika aka Anu ( Juhi Chawla) , the film is about her brother Nikhil,( played superbly by Sanjay Suri ) a happy carefree young man and  a swimming champion with a loving family and plenty of friends. Life is cruising along until Nikhil is diagnosed with HIV whose discovery brings different reactions from the people closest to him. Foremost in her support is his sister Juhi Chawla who sacrifices her happiness to bring comfort and strength when he needs it the most. Joining her is his lover , Nigel (Purab Kohli) who proves his love for Nikhil till the end. But Nikhil is unhappy because his parents shun him and throw him out of the house bemoaning their fate and their status in society.

Do his parents come around to finally bring him home? The rest of the film deals with just that and Nikhil's fight for justice at his workplace and acceptance in society.

Part of the film's authentic feel is created by avoiding a linear plot, choosing instead to reveal facts and feelings in scattered bits throughout the film. 

It is hard to watch this film without getting a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes. There is no melodrama, no moral judgment This is the kind of moviemaking that we hail which allows the viewer to keep their personal judgments intact. There is no persuasive point-of-view.

Highly recommended by this reviewer for the superb acting, thoughtful and sensitive plot and excellent direction.

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