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, and acceptance by his other family members, Merlin now is proud of his gender identity. 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!”

Director Biography - Sridhar Rangayan

Sridhar Rangayan wears many caps – of a filmmaker, writer, activist and festival director. His award winning films The Pink Mirror, Yours Emotionally, Purple Skies, Breaking Free and Evening Shadows are at the forefront of India’s emergent queer cinema movement. He won the National Award for Best Editing for his film Breaking Free, and his film Evening Shadows has won 27 international awards and screened at 80 festivals. He has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for over three decades.

Director Statement

Within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, I have felt that Transmen are the most marginalized and remain largely invisible. That’s the reason I decided to make a documentary on a transman, and more so focussing on acceptance of him. Finding Merlin, this bright amazing individual, was serendipity.