In independent filmmaker Raakesh Rawat’s queer short Almari Ka Achaar (Cupboard Pickle), the lead characters – Prakash (Manwendra Tripathy) and Mohan (Manoj Sharma) – are out of the closet. Well, almost. Far from their birthplace, the two Rajasthani men run a kirana shop in Mumbai and share a rented accommodation in the city. More than a steamy love affair, what they nurture is a tender and affectionate companionship. The two bond over humour and a barni of homestyle kairi pickle. But can they escape the angst of breaking gender identities and social norms? Poised for its world premiere on July 25 at the 22nd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart in Germany, Almari Ka Achaar is a commentary on the moral taboo against same-sex relationships in India. The movie is also a ‘Queer Qorner’ finalist at the 15th Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF 2025).
The story begins on a playful note, as Prakash and Mohan drag a proverbial almari into the kitchen. As the title of the film suggests, the wooden cabinet with glass doors forms the central theme of the narrative. It provides space for a jar full of spices and oil, mixed with the gay couple’s love and emotions. Prakash and Mohan are contrasting personalities. While Mohan is smutty, quick-witted and carefree, Prakash comes across as wise, gentle and reserved. Not to mention, Prakash is also married and has a family to care for in his village. Back home, their relationship may be frowned upon, but the bustling city of Mumbai allows them the freedom to follow their heart and accept their sexual orientation.
One day when Mohan was reminiscing about his deceased mother, cherishing memories of her sending him aam ka achaar during his hostel days, Prakash offered to make some for him, mixed with ghano saaro pyar. The delectable blend included a generous amount of kairi spiced with bharosa, sukh-dukh, jalan, thandak, khushboo, tel and namak (swaad anusar!). The two men had just begun relishing their ‘jar of love’ when Prakash’s wife Sunita (Neha Vyaso), Babosa (Uday Atroliya) and son Chandu (Dweet Hemant Bapna) came visiting. What follows forms the crux of the story.
A Thoughtful Clown Studios presentation, Almari Ka Achaar will be screened as part of the ‘Queer Special Program’ in Stuttgart, while the short film is also nominated for the ‘Best Short Film’ award at the festival. Cupboard Pickle is a tastefully made film that weaves the themes of love, resilience, empathy and silent fortitude. Described as ‘a tender whisper of defiance in a world full of noise’, the narrative is a scathing critique of how we perceive gay relationships in society. By turns cheeky and folksy, the movie adopts a lyrical yet fierce tone to delineate gender stereotypes and systemic bias. Director Raakesh Rawat – who is also the film’s editor and cinematographer – meticulously captures the characters’ fragility, inner turmoil and emotions amid family expectations and societal pressure. The film’s songs and background score (composed by Kanish Sharma) are as much a plot device, helping in navigating the storyline.
Almari Ka Achaar is a simple gay love story written by Vishal Nahar, and aptly anchored by actors Manwendra Tripathy and Manoj Sharma. The banter and tender moments between Prakash and Mohan are both nuanced and palpable, not to forget the comic sequences that amplify the underlying mood of the narrative. The 19-minute movie’s dialogues, peppered with native Rajasthani intonation, also have broader resonance. There’s an attempt to bring to the audience’s notice that prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community is not limited to urban spaces. In fact, the bias is more prominent among rural masses.
Underpinned by splendid performances and a poetic rhythm, Almari Ka Achaar is an unapologetic, coming-of-age gay film worth your time. The narrative is punctuated by sparks of brilliance, reiterating the ‘universal need to be loved and accepted’. But instead of relying overtly on physical intimacy, the film creates a rather visceral experience, provoking the audience to rethink their social and moral beliefs.
Almari ka Achaar
Writer: Vishal Nahar
Director: Raakesh Rawat
Cast: Manwendra Tripathy, Manoj Sharma, Neha Vyaso, Uday Atroliya and Dweet Hemant Bapna
Cinematographer and editor: Raakesh Rawat
Music composer: Kanish Sharma
Rating: 3 stars
