But having a cis-male actor play the role of a transgender woman does little to nothing to address the issue of representation and inclusivity. If seen in isolation, Super Deluxe is fine cinematic art. Films are still guilty of portraying flamboyant over-the-top characters, tired tropes and unrealistic plot lines that play to the gallery. However, it is not enough, say critics and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The scene speaks volumes when viewed in the context of normalising LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream cinema. And compared to Bollywood’s brash, tone-deaf and stereotypical offerings, the South Indian film industry is producing more nuanced queer films. Visibly shocked, the boy asks, “Why can’t dads look like moms?” A still from 2019 Tamil film Super Deluxe | YouTube/Netflix India Why are you laughing? Have I ever laughed at your dad?” One of the boys emphasises that his father “looks like a dad” while Rasukutty’s father “looks like a mom”.
“That’s your dad? Why is he wearing a sari?” To which, he replies, “That’s his style, dude. In the 2019 Tamil film Super Deluxe, Rasukutty’s friends mock his transwoman father, Shilpa.
