The Indian adaptation of Elite . It features a transgender actress (Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju) playing a transgender student. This is historic because the actor is actually a trans woman and a doctor in real life.

Historically, Indian cinema has portrayed transgender characters in various ways, from the sympathetic to the stereotypical. One of the earliest examples is the 1981 film "Sadgati" directed by Govind Nihalani, which features a transgender character. However, such portrayals were rare and often fell into stereotypes.

One of the most "helpful" and positive portrayals, this movie follows Marykutty, a trans woman who aspires to join the police force. Unlike many others, this is a story of triumph and professional ambition

Indian cinema, also known as Bollywood, has grown and evolved significantly over the years, incorporating a wide range of themes and stories. While transgender characters and themes have been present in Indian cinema, their representation has been sparse and often stereotypical. However, recent years have seen a shift towards more nuanced and respectful portrayals.