WFG RATING: B+

Dark Star Pictures present a Lotus Visual Productions film. Directed by Ektara Collective. Produced by Neeraj Churi, Hassath, Rinchin Rinchin, and Sushil. Written by Rinchin Rinchin and Maheen Mirza. Cinematography by Maheen Mirza. Edited by Parmita Ghosh.

Stars Manisha Soni, Muskan, Aakash Jarma, Mahima Singh Thakur, Tanveer Ahmed, and Paritosh Acharya.

A pair of transgendered ladies are forced to find a new place and go through both struggles and triumph in this riveting drama.

Laila and Roshni are two transgendered females who have dealt with their landlord too many times. He has finally decided to kick them out over the smallest infractions and now, they will need to find a new place to live. With the help of their driver friend Sharukh, they go off and apply for new apartments. However, they soon learn that their search is going to be harder than they expect. 

As they come closer to possibly finding some places, they are constantly met with resistance as they are inquired about their transitioning, which makes them feel uncomfortable. While Laila stays optimistic, Roshni gets more pessimistic. However, a chance meeting to serve as speakers at a women’s group may be the thing that they need.

This is quite a film that is an emotional rollercoaster that looks like at times, has a documentary feel to things as we see the struggles that our protagonists have to endure all to find a place to live. It may be insane on the surface to see these struggles, but it also is realistic in the fact that people view the LGBTQ community as a hindrance and for a good portion, that’s the vibe that the film comes across, until the third act, where it all changes.

Manisha Soni and Muskan are excellent in the central roles of Laila and Roshni. The two are best friends and transitioned. However, they are polar opposites when it comes to their personalities. Laila is sympathetic, kind, and willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Roshni comes off as more brash, outspoken, and somewhat angry all the time, not trusting anyone. It’s quite interesting to see this dynamic of friends who are polar opposites yet have similarities when it boils down to it. 

While they constantly face resistance in the eyes of first their landlord, then other prospects, including an irate homeowner who bashes her son for even letting the two look at a rental, there are bits of acceptance from others. One such person is Sharukh, played by Aakash Jarma, who is going far and beyond to help the two and drive them around. There’s even a possible landlord who is curious and asks questions to Laila because he never had met a transgender person before. However, the third act is where the film finally gets its acceptance when they speak at a women’s club meeting. 

A Place of Our Own is emotional, riveting, and a realistic look at how a vast majority views the LGBTQ community in India. Great performances from the leads make this one to check out. 

The film will be released in select theaters on January 12.