Love Positive (2024) English Subtitle - A Tender Tale of Queer Love and Courage in Modern India

Love Positive (2024) English Subtitle - A Tender Tale of Queer Love and Courage in Modern India

Love Positive (2024) English Subtitle - A Bold LGBTQ+ Story of Love & Acceptance

“Love +” (2024) is a poignant and emotionally honest LGBTQ+ short film that explores the complexities of love, stigma, and acceptance through the tender story of Ajay and Utkarsh — a live-in gay couple navigating life in Mumbai. Directed by Tushar Tyagi and written by Ravi Asrani, this 17-minute film packs a heartfelt punch in a compact runtime.

The story revolves around a sero-discordant couple, where Ajay is openly living with HIV, while Utkarsh — though deeply in love — hasn’t yet accepted his identity publicly. This conflict sets the tone for a deeply personal narrative that tackles both the external stigma from society and the internal battle of self-acceptance.

Ankur Thakur and Shray Rai Tiwari shine as Ajay and Utkarsh, portraying vulnerability and strength with grace and authenticity. Their chemistry is natural, making the emotional journey relatable and stirring. Paras Tomar also makes a notable appearance as Paras, adding depth to the film’s narrative structure.

Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, the film captures the intimate moments and silent struggles of a marginalized community with a subtle, unfiltered lens. The use of real-world settings and minimal production frills adds to the realism and emotional impact. What makes Love + stand out is its balance — it neither overly dramatizes HIV nor downplays it. Instead, it normalizes love in a sero-discordant relationship and encourages viewers to see beyond the diagnosis.

The film builds up to a powerful and uplifting climax where Utkarsh finally expresses his love for Ajay during a live conversation — a metaphorical and literal coming out moment. It ends with a moving message: "Why worry about the pill when you can fall for the dil (heart)."

At just 17 minutes, Love + is a must-watch LGBTQ+ short that advocates for love without prejudice. It's a celebration of truth, courage, and the power of vulnerability in relationships. Whether you’re part of the queer community or an ally, Love + will leave you thinking, feeling, and, most importantly, believing in love — without conditions.

-- Love Positive (2024) English Subtitle --