Review: IYKYK (2024)

As humans, we find strength, courage and comfort within our tribe. It is a primal instinct inherent in us. It increases our likelihood of collaborating towards common goals and objectives. But the need for attachment and belonging can be a difficult proposition for someone who considers herself to be trans. Bonita Rajpurohit’s short film IYKYK deals with such complex issues with sensitivity and a razor sharp comment on a society steeped in discriminatory and judgemental attitudes. Through the protagonist’s journey, the filmmaker inspires us to embrace our true selves, and reminds us that no matter how difficult the situation may seem, we should be patient with our progress.     

The short film centres on Kusum, a young trans girl, played by the filmmaker. She uses dating apps to get in touch with boys. But each encounter leaves her disappointed. She finds that they don’t align with her ideal of a partner for a meaningful relationship due to their insensitive attitude towards her gender identity. Some encounters also involve sexual experiences that end unfavorably. She finds herself emotionally distraught due the bitter dating experiences. She confides her disappointment to a close friend. Despite these setbacks, she continues her journey to find the right person as a partner.     

IYKYK is a deeply personal film that compels reflection. The director has showcased her talent in assessing the scale of anguish and solitude experienced by a trans girl who endures rejection in her search for intimacy. In this narrative, the central figure is treated as an ordinary human and the men she dates are not necessarily villains. The men, whom Bonita dates, reflect a societal conditioning that is a result of relinquishment of male privilege. It may not be what rules them, but it goes through them, directly or indirectly, influencing their decisions and circumstances. At the core rests the intention of the filmmaker, which is to explain the roots of why some people are prejudiced and delve into the scant anatomy of hegemonic masculinity, and to follow it down to people and society as a whole. One of her dates makes Bonita feel strange about her body. While the other, compares her with a eunuch who is invited to special functions in the house. So, the director is portraying the trans character to emphasize the stereotypical attitudes of men towards gender-variant individuals.      

One of the main reasons why the film works is due to the portrayal enacted by Bonita Rajpurohit as Bonita, and she puts in a lot of effort to be empathetic. Her devotion, hard work and respect towards the character enables the film to make a very strong commentary on gender inequality. She goes beyond the ordinary boundaries that define how one is supposed to perform as a trans girl and raises the film to a nuanced level of defiance. She also edits the film and as such, dictates the rhythm, the pace and the aesthetic of it. Jyotsana Rajpurohit, in her capacity as the cinematographer, applies handheld and shaky shots so that they illustrate the internal struggles and turmoil of the characters and their circumstances. 

IYKYK does not curtail the aspirations of the protagonist, but rather treats her with a certain level of dignity and benevolence. It is an eye-opening exposition of social challenges that trans people experience to survive in a society where they constantly face opposition.

*****