In an exclusive conversation with Film Window, director Pallavi Roy opened up about her much-acclaimed film Unwoman, a cinematic exploration of love, identity, and acceptance. The film has not only captured attention for its powerful message but also for its sensitive portrayal of a rarely addressed subject in Indian cinema.
At the heart of Unwoman is the story of Bhanwar, a lonely man from rural Haryana, who ends up ‘buying’ and marrying Savari only to discover on their wedding night that she is a transgender woman, referred to in Indian society as a ‘kinnar.’ What begins as a misunderstanding evolves into an unexpected journey of love, friendship, and emotional truth. “The story isn’t just about gender or orientation,” Pallavi shared. “It’s about two human beings learning to love and respect each other beyond societal definitions.”
Pallavi describes Unwoman as a “beautiful film with a heart-touching ending,” and the response from audiences certainly proves that. The film received a standing ovation at the Kashish Film Festival and bagged the Best LGBTQ Film award at the Aravali International Film Festival. With a 3.5-star rating in The Times of India and a 7.7 rating on IMDb, the film continues to strike a chord across India.
“My Instagram has been flooded with messages, people are praising the film, expressing their emotions, and even asking for a sequel,” Pallavi revealed, visibly moved by the response. “Some have cried, some have debated the ending, but most importantly, they’ve felt something real.”
Casting the film’s leads wasn’t without its challenges. While seasoned actor Bhagwan Tiwari brought depth to his role, Kanak Garg, a newcomer and ramp model, stood out with her raw empathy and dedication to playing Savari. “She fit the role perfectly,” said Pallavi. For Sarthak Narula, who plays Bhanwar, the team conducted multiple auditions and workshops to shape his performance and Bhagwan Tiwari playing Bhairo is always known for his acting.
When asked whether she feared such a bold subject might not resonate with Indian audiences, Pallavi responded with conviction: “For storytellers, numbers aren’t the priority. We observe the world around us and write from the heart. Business matters, yes, but we also create for the love of the craft.” As an independent filmmaker, she feels proud of the film’s reach, made possible in part by her collaboration with producer Gunjan Goel and writer Susheel Sharman.
The film, which initially streamed on Jio Cinema, is now re-releasing under the name ‘Savari’ on the STAGE app after being temporarily taken down due to unforeseen circumstances. When asked about the challenges of distributing unconventional content on OTT platforms, Pallavi answered with grace, “It’s their decision. I respect their perspective.”
Her next projects include Sarpanch Sahab, which explores themes from rural India, and Kota Secret, an upcoming film set in the education hub of Rajasthan.
Through Unwoman, Pallavi Roy Sharma, Gunjan Goel, and Susheel Sharman have crafted more than just a film, they’ve created a movement. One that challenges norms, celebrates humanity, and proves that love, in its purest form, transcends all boundaries.
