Bobby Bedi returns with a daring, culture-shifting feature that challenges gender binaries and redefines filmmaking courage. Lala & Poppy, directed by Kaizad Gustad, premiered at IFFI 56. Reported by Vinta Nanda.
Lala & Poppy, produced by award-winning filmmaker Bobby Bedi and directed by Kaizad Gustad, premiered at IFFI 56 in Goa. Backed by Content Flow Studios, the film explores a groundbreaking transgender love story rooted in identity, transition, and emotional resilience. With a powerful cast, global festival pedigree, and Bedi’s legacy of acclaimed works like Bandit Queen, Fire, Saathiya, Maqbool, and Mangal Pandey: The Rising, the film strengthens the studio’s commitment to meaningful cinema, international collaboration, and bold, culturally relevant narratives.

A New Chapter in Bobby Bedi’s Vision
Content Flow Studios—led by acclaimed producer Bobby Bedi, one of the most influential creative forces in Indian cinema—unveiled its latest feature film, Lala & Poppy, directed by Kaizad Gustad, for its world premiere at IFFI 56 on November 23rd in Goa. Rooted in cultural authenticity and driven by fearless storytelling, the film continues Bedi’s three-decade-long legacy of challenging conventions and pushing cinematic boundaries.

A two-time winner of the National Award for Best Film, Bedi’s work has travelled across Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Venice, and Valladolid—where he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. His landmark productions—Bandit Queen (1994), Fire, Saathiya (2002), Maqbool (2003), and Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)—cemented his stature as a cultural disruptor and bridge between art and global audiences. His most recent works—Bitter Chestnut (2019) and Crescent Night (2022)—screened at Busan, Rotterdam and MAMI, reinforcing his international imprint.

The Film: A Love Story Beyond Convention
Lala & Poppy is a gender-bending tale set in the vibrant, chaotic landscape of Mumbai—a story of two young individuals transitioning into each other’s assigned gender. Lala, a young man in his 20s transitioning to become a woman, and Poppy, a young woman transitioning to become a man, walk a tightrope between personal identity, emotional truth, and societal rejection.
Like a modern-day Romeo & Juliet or Laila Majnu, their love story is doomed not by clans, class or religion—but by the complex reality that both lovers are transforming physically and emotionally into the opposite sex. The film asks: If love is rooted in identity, what happens when identity transforms?

While society struggles to accept them, what hurts most is rejection from their families. Yet, Lala & Poppy is not a tragedy—it is a contrast-filled celebration, “like a bougainvillea blooming in the gutters,” filled with style, joy, redemption, and bold emotional clarity.
“India has legally and constitutionally accepted the third gender. But General acceptance is far away. With this film we hope to increase acceptance of the third gender by everyone”, said producer Bedi to me after the premiere.
The cast is led by Suruj Rajkhowa and Veer Singh, with technical excellence delivered by cinematographer Himman Dhamija, sound designer Andrew Bellety, music supervisor Ankur Tewari, and art director Michri Thejaseno. Produced by Bobby Bedi, with Varsha Bedi and Himman Dhamija as co-producers, the film is associate-produced by Zaid Ali Khan and guided by First AD Anthony Pandey.

Creators Who Push Boundaries
Bobby Bedi, founder of Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Content Flow Studios, is known for powerful, socially relevant cinematic storytelling and mentoring the next wave of filmmakers.
A pioneer in intellectual property rights, he also founded The School of Convergence, India's first postgraduate media school. His ongoing Indo-Spanish documentary Mudras, created with Spanish producer Anna Saura, explores Flamenco and Bharatanatyam, while his latest documentary Kehta Hai Joker commemorates Raj Kapoor’s centenary year.

Director Kaizad Gustad brings his signature irreverence and edge—first seen in his breakout debut Bombay Boys (1998). Known for Boom, Bombil and Beatrice, and Jackpot, Gustad returns with what may become his most socially fearless and emotionally resonant work yet.
Content Flow Studios continues to champion powerful storytelling, artistic integrity, and films that spark conversation—proving once again that Bobby Bedi remains a defining voice in the future of Indian and global cinema.