User reviews

Onir's Anirban Dhar latest film doing the rounds in film festivals and special screenings, was screened for an invited audience this evening at The American Centre in the city. Personally, I like his films not because he'd been a junior and a friend at the University or his sister Irene Irene Dhar Malik I knew before I knew him. I like them because of their honesty and simplicity.

Though Onir describes the film as a 'queer' love story told rather autobiographically, I related to it mostly as a tale of 'heartbreaks and hope' that, I'm sure, will touch any viewer irrespective of their sexual orientations. We have all been through most of them whatever the orientation.

References to 'My Beautiful Launderette' by Hanif Qureshi and relevant dialogues would possibly stir all the emotions that we all have. Be it humour, pain, anger, sorrow ... whatever. In other words, it's a story well-told. If you like to listen to stories, rather watch them, you'd love and live every moment of it. And boy o boy, he really knows how to tell stories on screen. For me, I failed to hide a tear towards the end.

Things have changed since his first film 'My Brother ... Nikhil' released nineteen years ago and Onir too has evolved with the times. The film told in three parts is aptly set in 1999, 2009 and 2019. The years are important as the first year is when the country's first gay pride parade is held in Calcutta, the second, when the Delhi High Court decriminalises homosexuality and the third year, when the Supreme Court decriminalises homosexuality once agin after the verdict of 2009 was overturned in 2012. Also, the characters as Muslim, Hindu and Christian add a separate religious angle to the discourse.

Shot on iPhone with a meagre crew of about fifteen odd people, the film is made with a shoestring budget. Arvind Kannaviran has done a great job with a tad unstable camera movements and long duration shots in places where they make a big difference to the story in contrast to the shorter shots that depict dreams and freedom through shadowgraphy by the characters in one story. Vivek Philips's music is infectious. Irene's edit stitches the emotions with precision so that the 't's are crossed and the 'i's are dotted. What's most interesting about the way the film unfurls is that the audience is kept guessing about how things would conclude till the end.

I sincerely hope that the CBFC would clear the film without any cuts and people would be able to watch it in Cinemas, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Whatever happens, I will wish that 'Into that heaven of freedom' my country will awake. Well, if it doesn't, to echo a dialogue of the young duo in the part of the film set in Gangtok, I'd say ... 'Hum saare duniya ki gaand maar denge!

As we say Hope is like the clouds , some pass by , others bring rain !

Pine Cone is a nuanced ,beautiful and silently conversational film. As I watched it, as a part of special preview at American Centre, Kolkata, I found that it has an unique poetic quality build in through the constant interaction of humans and inanimate objects alongside it's subtle association with life,love ,realization and acceptance.

Would highly recommend this film ! Do watch it for it's authentic storytelling narrative and competent performances.

Best wishes to Onir and the team for showcasing this beautiful film !

I watched the Pinecone premiere during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August 2023. The film included some beautiful photography and its three arcs were all visually and thematically distinct, which was impressive and essential for the telling of this story.

The story felt instantly familiar and relatable yet it managed to surprise and delight at times. There is an underlying sense of sadness in the overall narrative presented but fortunately this is balanced out with a message of hope which is immensely important for the target audience, especially those in a more vulnerable state of mind.

Congratulations to director Onir and team for another stellar feature.

A film that sheds light on the evolving landscape of queer rights in India... This poignant narrative captures the essence of first love, the harsh realities of cynicism, and the relentless fight for equality --- highlights the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in India!!

Watching Sid Mehra's journey unfold on screen, I was reminded of my own first love-the excitement, the vulnerability, and the profound impact it had on my life. Sid's transformation from a proud, hopeful filmmaker to a cynical yet resilient advocate for queer rights resonated with my experiences of navigating the complexities of love and identity.

This film is more than just a love story; it is a call to action, a testament to resilience, and a vital contribution to the ongoing quest for equal rights and acceptance for queer folks in India.

The film demands your full attention. I watched the most beautiful love-making scenes between two men in a hall full of high school and college students, and none of us felt uncomfortable. Instead, we rooted for the character and hoped for a happy ending, even though the film was as realistic as it came. Pine Cone has one of the most unique stories, which even the most progressive Western films on queer themes fail to portray. The dialogues and verses of poetry in the film pull your heartstrings, making me want to meet the writer and whoever inspired it.

This makes me proud as a south Asian and someone who grew up watching Bollywood, that this industry is finally cathing up in telling authentic stories of queer people.

Indian film industry needed to move on from 'subtle' to 'comedy' to telling authentic stories of queer people. As a heterosexual male watching this film at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023, it wasn't short of challenging, to be honest. But the film won't let you take your eyes off screen with intimate and bold love-making scenes along with great cinematography.

Beautifully scripted with authentic storyline, PineCone has been sensitively directed by Onir to bring the universal human emotions of love on the large screen. While the film will definitely endear the specific target groups, I strongly recommend this for the heterosexual community to understand the true meaning of LOVE and that the feelings of pain, desire & intimacy transcend any human orientations. I am a better human being having watched this film.

Thank you Onir for always bringing out meaningful cinema. The film richly deserves all accolades.

"Pinecone" is a breathtaking masterpiece that delicately unfolds the tender, passionate, and ultimately heartrending romance. Onir's masterful direction imbues every frame of "Pinecone" with a palpable sense of longing and desire, capturing the lush landscapes of Gurez Valley and the simmering tension between its protagonists with stunning visual elegance. But beyond its mesmerizing aesthetics and captivating performances, "Pinecone" is a deeply resonant exploration of love, identity, and the bittersweet passage of time. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, this film is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave viewers spellbound long after the credits roll. It is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and a reminder of the enduring magic of cinema.

Thankyou Onir for one more masterpiece!!

Excellent character development threads seamlessly in this excellent movie.. Stunning photography and a beautiful story that many gay men can relate. One of the finest films at the October 2023, Outshine Film Festival, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The puzzle of developing a meaningful relationship is studied from the present moment to the past. Every moment in a prior relationship has a profound impact on an individual's make up. Pine Cone explores the development of character by creating a video storytelling platform to discover how and why we behave in the social and technological environment of our complex lives. I highly recommend this move!

Pine Cone is an audacious saga of a gay man's journey of self-discovery, heartbreak and rejuvenation - told with great love and care. The chronological journey it aims to capture for its primary character is admittedly expansive, but Onir weaves it together beautifully.

Starting with an unflinching portrayal of gay hook-up culture, the movie then proceeds to artfully peal the layers to reveal the tumult of emotions and context that often underlies it. That alone makes it a worthwhile watch - for queer folks to resonate with the characters, and for others to discover a less-spoken aspect of the community.

Pine Cone holds the potential to be one of those iconic movies in the upward arc of queer representation in Indian cinema. All one needs to do, therefore, is to keep an open mind and soak in the delectable medley of emotions that Onir serves in this one.

In the ethereal dance of cinematic storytelling, "Pinecone" emerges as a radiant beacon of artistry, captivating hearts and minds alike with its poignant narrative and spellbinding visuals. Directed by the visionary Onir, each frame is a brushstroke of exquisite beauty, painting a tapestry of emotions.

Set against the backdrop of a windswept landscape, the film unfolds like a delicate melody, whispering secrets of love, loss, and redemption. Through masterful performances, the ensemble cast breathes life into characters who traverse the labyrinth of human experience with grace and vulnerability.

The cinematography is a symphony of light and shadow, weaving a dreamscape that transcends reality, inviting viewers to lose themselves in its enchanting embrace. Every shot is a testament to the filmmaker's reverence for the natural world, imbuing each scene with a sense of wonder and awe.

Pinecone is a transcendent journey of the soul, a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity. With its haunting beauty and profound insight, it leaves an indelible mark on the heart, whispering its truths long after the final frame fades to black.

Great work Onir.

As someone who grew up in India closeted and now finally living as an openly gay man, I wish I had movies like Pine Cone growing up, not just in the independent movie scene but in the mainstream film industry. I am fortunate to have been able to see this film during the Indo-German Film Festival (2024) in Berlin with an added bonus of a virtual Q&A with Onir right after.

The complex emotions in seemingly simple characters, the continuous torment of internal feelings versus external pressures and the most basic human urge to do what feels right for the heart are beautifully captured by Onir in Pine Cone. There were scenes where I openly chuckled and also where I quietly wept - all because there were so many relatable moments. Queer lives in India need more representation, more visibility and more acceptance and this film makes leaps in this urgent process.

Thank you Onir for sharing parts of your life through this film, and more importantly, sending a million signals to a billion people that queer love and queer lives should matter, a LOT.

I just saw Pine Cone a few days ago which made me emotional enough to reach out to my first love today after 30 years.

We were only 13-14 years old at that time...absolute puppy love...I still have a soft spot for him.... always will.

At that age we didn't even know anything about sex.

It was just love.... In its pure innocent form.

At the same time I am also triggered to some extent that I am justified to call out all of you (non accepting judge mental people) who killed this beautiful thing called love for not accepting / hating the LGBTQ community. I am sure there are many of us whose love has been sacrificed because of non acceptance.

I still won't hate you because people who love don't hate.

Why don't you stop putting your energy behind haters and terrorists rather than going after us who love

Thank you to everyone for making this film. It has made a difference in the world.

Wake up world !! Wake up to love! Because is love is the answer to everything and you are hating that itself !

I watched Pine Cone at the London Flare festival in March 2024 and this one really made my day. This film met my expectations of what a decent Indian picture is supposed to look like: sentimental, colourful, filled with some action and plot twists. Additionally, it reflects our contemporary society - and not only Indian, far from it, plus gives some food for thought. The story revolves around a young and trendy Indian filmmaker who is involved in a romantic encounter but at some point starts behaving terribly and then the narrative gradually and thoroughly explains why. It's easy to feel for the characters and understand what motivates them to behave the way they do; and at the same time we are taught to try to learn from their mistakes and avoid our own. Educational!

Pine Cone, is a profoundly moving film that resonates deeply on many levels. Onir's storytelling is both authentic and sensitive, capturing the struggles faced by gay men with remarkable realism. The characters' emotional depth is compelling, drawing viewers into their journeys with an intensity that lingers long after the film ends. What makes this film stand out even more is the fact that it was shot entirely on a mobile phone, a testament to Onir's incredible talent and creativity. The innovative approach to filmmaking adds a raw and intimate feel to the narrative, enhancing its impact.

The film skillfully balances moments of heartache with those of hope, highlighting the resilience and vulnerability of its characters. Onir has created a poignant reminder of how our past experiences can shape us, yet also emphasizing the potential for healing and transformation. "Pine Cone" is not just a film; it's an experience that leaves you reflecting on its powerful message long after the credits roll. This is a must watch for its exceptional storytelling, innovative production, and the deeply human stories it tells. Bravo, Onir.

As a queer person myself, this film made me feel overwhelmed by its rawness, the relatable storyline of finding love and the right queer representation. As this film spans 3 different pivotal decades, every part intersects with each other through trauma and memories, making the storyline a roller coaster of emotions. I loved the way how beautifully this film has portrayed the search for love and those queer desires, which are absent in the Indian cinema yet.

Films like Pine Cone are revolution to Indian Cinema, which is more focused on the feelings, struggles, chemistry and emotions.

Fulfilling-Nostagic-Queer Gaze.

The movie deals with the very sensitive issue of gender equality . Equality of equal and same gender. As love has no gender since time immemorial. Director Onir has brought out this issue well stitched with a story which travels from south to north India . A very strong movie on a very fragile issue .The actors were well suited for their roles. The cinematic experience was thrilling. Background music was exact and appropriate. The length of the movie was just as required. The movie ended leaving more desire and left us unsatiated . The lead actor well carried his role so smoothly which was worth appreciating. . Well done , best of luck for future awards .

Pine Cone is a well researched & conceptualised work highlighting one of the most crucial themes of the present day society. The film has addressed a wide spectrum of issues related to the queer community. The casting is precise & imposing and the plot is set keeping in view the intricate details of day to day issues with gay world. It is definitely one of the masterpieces in the library of contextual movies and is highly recommended to be watched with an open mind. Kudos to the entire team for a well researched, imposingly articulated and subtly emotional movie! Awesome experience watching it!

I recommend folks from the community and others to watch Pine Cone, more for its beauty to normalise desires and a message for folks to let their gaurds down and give love another chance.

I personally liked how the movie communicated the experiences a queer individual faces in their daily lives. Very relatable.

I wished the movie didn't end, wanted to watch more and more of it. And I guess, that speaks a lot of the movie, that the audience is hooked to know "what's next?" "How do they work it out?".

I'd love to have more and more folks (out of the community) to watch this, and get a sneak peak into what it is like for a queer individual to find love whilst operating in all the constructs of the society.

Loved the movie 😍

A beautiful story that spans over 2 decades. It showcases the struggle of a young man in coming to terms with love after facing betrayal and dejection in the past. The character grows on you as he explores the change in emotions, the first love, the duplicity of relationships and the profound misery of loss!

Trust doesn't come easy especially when it's broken by the person you loved. This movie beautifully captures the impact of such deceit.

Yes, it is a film depicting desire in homosexual relationships. Hopefully it will help people see that love and desire is not sexuality exclusive!

In the director's words, "acceptance of love is not so difficult !"

Awesome work Onir ... Kudos to you and your fantabulous team 🙌

I just watched pine cone. And I was amazed that how beautiful film it is. I'm seriously shocked that this kind of deserve more.story and direction are super by onir.it's not only for a pride community, but i would like to suggest everyone that please watch once. I also requesting onir sir to release it on theatre or OTT so maximum people can watch this beautiful masterpiece. Second most beautiful thing of the film is locations and music. I'm damm sure that everyone will enjoy. I would like to say in one word that it's truly love story and full of emotions. Please please please release it on ott or theatre.

Watched this Wonderful movie based on queer people's life at the Amercian Centre, Delhi on 7, March. Few movies on queer people's life/ marginalised section with authentic storyline have been made in the history of indian cinema. I have earlier also watched My Brother Nikhil, Chauranga, Bas ek pal movies directed by Onir. All i can say is Cinema is a means of change and in this process issues of marginalised section of the society should should also be raised so that large section of the society comes to know about their problems.

Thank you Onir for making such meaningful cinema. The film deserves praise.

Such an outstanding movie till I am singing song from that movie. It's gives a great prospective for LGBTQ+ community. That's why it a masterpiece. Congratulations to Mr. Onir and his whole team. This movie shows the real situations of a gay person life. Everyone has to watch it once's in life to understand the LGBTQ+ community.

I watched this masterpiece at Delhi. I really like it because when I was watching this I feel my life past story. I like the story, all the character, everyone acting and all the scenes. I really want to watch this again and I hope I will get one more chance to watch it in future.

During Pride Month 2024, we had the amazing opportunity to see the screening of "Pine Cone", a brilliant movie by Onir. I've been eagerly asking when we Kolkatans can get to see it, and it did not disappoint! The film's portrayal of relationships is outstanding, showcasing themes with such depth and sensitivity.

I've been a fan of Onir since "My Brother Nikhil", but "Pine Cone" has truly captured my heart. My heartfelt congratulations to Onir for creating such inspiring queer movies.

All my best wishes, and please keep making these incredible films that resonate so deeply with us all.

Let's continue to support and celebrate diverse voices in cinema. Representation matters, and films like these make a significant impact.

Watching the film at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2023, where it shared a slot with my short film "Where's My Spot?", was a revelatory experience. As a filmmaker, the first impression was undeniable - the film is visually stunning. Learning that it was shot solely on an iPhone and a drone added to the awe; it's a testament to the fact that great storytelling transcends equipment.

Onir's direction is masterful in weaving a narrative that fluidly moves through time, making every moment count. The film's representation of the LGBTQ+ community is not just commendable but necessary, bringing much-needed visibility with sensitivity and depth. The music and songs are the unsung heroes here, adding layers to the characters and enriching the storyline.

This film breaks the conventional barriers of cinema, demonstrating that the essence of a great movie lies in its heart and vision, not in its budget. It stands as an inspiring beacon for independent filmmakers and a proud flagbearer for LGBTQ+ narratives in cinema. This is not just a film; it's a bold statement that with the right story and passion, anyone can create cinematic magic.