Quick Facts

Story & Plot

Set in the conservative state of Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh is a powerful drama that revolves around the life of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a Marathi professor at Aligarh Muslim University. The film's narrative is a poignant portrayal of a man's struggle against societal norms and expectations. After being sacked from his position as Reader and Chair of Modern Indian Languages, Dr. Siras finds himself at the receiving end of a sting operation conducted by a local TV channel. The operation, which shows Dr. Siras in an embrace with a rickshaw puller at his house inside the campus, sparks a media frenzy, and Dr. Siras is subsequently arrested and charged with homosexuality. As the story unfolds, the film delves into the emotional conflicts faced by Dr. Siras, his relationships with his students and colleagues, and the societal pressures that lead to his downfall. With its gripping narrative and outstanding performances, Aligarh is a film that tugs at the heartstrings and challenges the audience to think critically about the themes of identity, morality, and social justice. The film's setting, which is steeped in tradition and conservatism, adds to the narrative's emotional depth, making Aligarh a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Cast & Crew

The cast of Aligarh is a talented ensemble of actors who bring depth and nuance to their respective characters. Rajkummar Rao, in the lead role of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, delivers a powerful performance that is both poignant and heart-wrenching. With his exceptional acting skills, Rao brings to life the complexities of Dr. Siras's character, making him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Ishwak Singh, who plays the role of Abhishek, a young student of Dr. Siras, brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the film. Dilnaz Irani, as Dr. Siras's colleague, Dr. Sunita Bhagat, adds a sense of depth and complexity to the narrative. Sukhesh Arora, Balaji Gauri, and Sumit Gulati, who play supporting roles, add to the film's emotional depth and nuance. Director Hansal Mehta, known for his thought-provoking films like Shahid and Citylights, brings a sense of sensitivity and empathy to the narrative, making Aligarh a film that is both powerful and poignant. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and their performances add to the film's emotional impact.

Lead Cast

Key Crew

See the full crew breakdown in Quick Facts above, including director, producer, music direction, writing, cinematography, and editing credits.

Director's Vision

Director Hansal Mehta's vision for Aligarh is a testament to his ability to craft powerful and thought-provoking films. With a keen eye for detail, Mehta brings to life the narrative of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, making the film a poignant and emotional experience. The film's cinematography, handled by Satya Nagpaul, is a visual feast that captures the beauty and complexity of the narrative. The production design, which is steeped in tradition and conservatism, adds to the film's emotional depth, making Aligarh a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Mehta's use of locations, which are steeped in history and culture, adds to the narrative's emotional depth, making Aligarh a film that is both powerful and poignant. With Aligarh, Mehta proves himself to be a master filmmaker who is able to craft films that are both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

Music & Soundtrack

The music of Aligarh, composed by N/A, is a non-existent element in the film. As a drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms, Aligarh does not require a soundtrack to convey its emotional depth. The film's narrative is powerful enough to stand on its own, and the absence of music adds to the film's emotional impact. However, the film's background score, which is handled by N/A, is a subtle yet effective element that adds to the narrative's emotional depth. The score is a masterful blend of traditional and contemporary elements, making it a fitting accompaniment to the film's narrative.

Official Trailer

Box Office Collection

Where to Watch

Aligarh was released in India on 26 February 2016, and it was screened in major circuits across the country, including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. The film's theatrical release strategy was a testament to the growing importance of supporting Hindi films in theatres. With its powerful narrative and outstanding performances, Aligarh was a film that deserved to be seen on the big screen. Audiences who watched the film in theatres were treated to a cinematic experience that was both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. To find showtimes and book tickets, audiences can visit the film's official website or check with local theatres in their area. Aligarh is a film that is suitable for family viewing, and it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impact.

Why Watch Aligarh?

The release of Aligarh was highly anticipated, and it was a topic of discussion among film enthusiasts and critics alike. With its powerful narrative and outstanding performances, the film was expected to make a significant impact on the Indian film industry. The film's trailer and teaser, which were released prior to its theatrical debut, generated a lot of buzz, with many praising the film's emotional depth and nuance. Aligarh was compared to other Hindi films that dealt with similar themes, such as Shahid and Citylights, and it was expected to join the ranks of these critically acclaimed films. The film's box office potential was high, and it was expected to perform well in major circuits across the country. With its timely themes and powerful narrative, Aligarh was a film that mattered for Bbbollywood, and it was a testament to the industry's ability to produce films that were both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. The cultural significance of Aligarh lies in its ability to spark a conversation about the themes of identity, morality, and social justice, making it a film that will be remembered for years to come.

Related Hindi Movies

Khaali (2027)

BAHUBURA (2027)

Love and War (2027)

Lag Jaa Gale (2027)