Bollywood’s First Lesbian Film Opens To Raves

The first mainstream Indian film to focus on a same-sex relationship premiered Friday to awe and celebration.

The release of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (How I Felt When I Saw A Girl) became a cultural event of sorts in India, according to The Straits Times.

The release of the film in India, a cinema-loving nation but one where courts just overturned laws banning homosexuality in September, prompted quick commentary from the nation's LGBTQ communities and celebrities anxious to weigh in on the cultural milestone.

"Out of the theater, but the thing is - the film hasn't left me," wrote LGBTQ activist Harish Iyer on Twitter. I can't believe what I saw. While people were waiting to find the right time and day and age for making a film like this, @VVCFilms actually went ahead and made it. The time is good. The time is now."

The Hindi-language film tells the story of a family trying to get their daughter married, but the daughter, already in a relationship with a woman, struggles with how to inform her family about her sexuality. Actor Anil Kapoor plays the father while his real-life daughter Sonam Kapoor plays the central character, Sweety.

"Such a difficult subject handled with so much dignity n restraint," wrote Bollywood director Farah Khan. "Wishing All the very best to its cast n crew!! Its an important film first of its kind..."

The Times of India rounded up a range of Bollywood celebrity reactions praising the groundbreaking film.

"Kudos to the entire team for telling a story so important," wrote actress Rakul Preet.

"hats off to this woman! @sonamakapoor," wrote actor Akshay Kumar. "Take a bow for making this film, deals with an important subject so wonderfully."