'Lala & Poppy' - A Love Story That’s Rewriting the Script for Trans Representation

When the lights dimmed at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, the audience wasn’t just settling in for another film—they were witnessing a moment of cinematic history. “Lala & Poppy, ” directed by Kaizad Gustad and produced by Bobby Bedi, is not just a love story; it’s a declaration. It’s a film that dares to ask: What happens when a trans woman and a trans man fall in love, and how do they navigate a world that’s still catching up with their reality?

The film’s premise is refreshingly simple yet revolutionary: Lala, a trans woman, and Poppy, a trans man, meet and fall in love as they each navigate their gender transitions. But what sets “Lala & Poppy” apart is not just its narrative, but its commitment to authenticity. The leads, Suruj Rajkhowa and Veer Singh, are both transgender actors, a casting choice that marks a significant departure from the often stereotypical or tokenistic portrayals of trans characters in Indian cinema . “We wanted to tell a story where gender doesn’t define the characters, ” Gustad told Variety, emphasizing the film’s mission to present trans people as complex, multidimensional individuals .

The film’s production is just as groundbreaking as its story. The crew is notably queer-inclusive, featuring non-binary costume designers, non-binary photographers, and trans makeup artists. This approach ensures that the film’s creation is as authentic as its portrayal, fostering a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved .

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, “Lala & Poppy” is more than just a film—it’s a beacon of hope. “India has accepted the third gender constitutionally and legally, but real acceptance is still lacking, ” producer Bobby Bedi pointed out . The film’s release comes at a time when global attitudes toward transgender rights are shifting, sometimes in troubling directions. “Look at what’s happening in America. Everything has gone backwards in that sense, ” Gustad said, referencing recent rollbacks on transgender rights in the United States . “The timing of this film is quite appropriate because it’s become a subject that people all over the world are now discussing” .

The film’s impact is already being felt. At IFFI, “Lala & Poppy” has sparked conversations about representation, acceptance, and the power of storytelling to challenge bias and spark meaningful dialogue. For the cast, the experience has been transformative. “Playing myself as a person on the movie playing Poppy’s character was definitely something that made me get out of my bubble that I was in, ” said Veer Singh, reflecting on the personal growth that came from portraying a character so close to his own experience .

The film’s journey to the big screen is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s not like we didn’t exist before. We did. It’s just the Britishers came and then they kind of destroyed the fabric of queerness, ” said Bobby Bedi, drawing a line from India’s colonial past to its present-day struggles for LGBTQ+ rights . “What we are trying to do is basically just join in together like stitch it back, ” he added, framing the film as part of a larger effort to reclaim and celebrate queer identity in India .

As “Lala & Poppy” prepares for a theatrical release, its creators are hopeful that it will inspire audiences to see trans people not as objects of ridicule or curiosity, but as individuals with their own stories, dreams, and desires. “Love knows no bounds, but can society keep up? ” the film’s trailer asks, challenging viewers to confront their own biases and embrace the complexity of human experience .

For LGBTQ+ audiences, “Lala & Poppy” is more than just a film—it’s a celebration of identity, acceptance, and the power of love to transcend societal barriers. As the credits roll, the message is clear: the fight for equality is far from over, but with stories like this, the future looks brighter.