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The Hansal Mehta-directed Aligarh is based on the life of Professor Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation. Manoj plays the role of Siras, and Rajkummar Rao plays a journalist, who tells Siras' story to the world
Ram Madhvani's Neerja, which casts Sonam Kapoor in the titular role, documents the story of Neerja Bhanot, who was killed in the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi. Ms Bhanot, who was 23, died while shielding a group of children from gunfire and became the youngest ever recipient of the Ashok Chakra
Set in a town in Uttar Pradesh from which the film takes its name, Aligarh is the story of a professor (Manoj Bajpayee), who is made to quit his job for his sexuality and a young journalist (Rajkummar Rao) who tells his story to the world. The film received a standing ovation at the prestigious 20th Busan International Film Festival
"People have viewed it very positively worldwide and nobody cared about the sexual orientation part. Our focus was to make a film that will move the audience and we're confident it will, when it releases in India," Manoj Bajpayee said. Aligarh, which also stars Rajkummar Rao, is the opening film of 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
"My role in Aligarh is so gentle and pure hearted that it has made me a better person. I have not seen a noble human like him (character in Aligarh). It is a great story to tell. You will be moved by the character," said Manoj
Manoj Bajpayee will be seen playing the role of a gay professor in Aligarh