Raja Bro (2022)

RAJA BHAU is a sensitive heart-warming story of an Indian transman's acceptance, by himself and his family. Merlin, born as a girl, felt right from his childhood that he was trapped in the wrong gender. But it took a lot of courage and determination for Merlin to transition to become a transman. With unflinching support from his mother who has stood with him through thick and thin, and acceptance by his cousins, aunts and uncles, Merlin now is proud of his gender identity. Having had two transformation surgeries, Merlin is a fitness freak, and spends his non-office hours in the gym. He is now an inspiration to other younger persons struggling with their identity, and through his Instagram profile and regular meetings at the transmen's group, he advises them on the correct way to go through transition. His grandmother living on the outskirts of Ratnagiri tells with a chuckle, "I have always called him Raja Bhau (Raja Bro) right from his childhood!" With the contemporary focus by the government on providing more facilities for the transgender community, this slice-of-life film will inspire the youth and their parents to choose a life true to their gender and live with dignity.