User Reviews

The film demands your full attention. I watched the most beautiful love-making scenes between two men in a hall full of high school and college students, and none of us felt uncomfortable. Instead, we rooted for the character and hoped for a happy ending, even though the film was as realistic as it came. Pine Cone has one of the most unique stories, which even the most progressive Western films on queer themes fail to portray. The dialogues and verses of poetry in the film pull your heartstrings, making me want to meet the writer and whoever inspired it.

This makes me proud as a south Asian and someone who grew up watching Bollywood, that this industry is finally cathing up in telling authentic stories of queer people.

Indian film industry needed to move on from 'subtle' to 'comedy' to telling authentic stories of queer people. As a heterosexual male watching this film at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023, it wasn't short of challenging, to be honest. But the film won't let you take your eyes off screen with intimate and bold love-making scenes along with great cinematography.

Beautifully scripted with authentic storyline, PineCone has been sensitively directed by Onir to bring the universal human emotions of love on the large screen. While the film will definitely endear the specific target groups, I strongly recommend this for the heterosexual community to understand the true meaning of LOVE and that the feelings of pain, desire & intimacy transcend any human orientations. I am a better human being having watched this film.

Thank you Onir for always bringing out meaningful cinema. The film richly deserves all accolades.

Excellent character development threads seamlessly in this excellent movie.. Stunning photography and a beautiful story that many gay men can relate. One of the finest films at the October 2023, Outshine Film Festival, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The puzzle of developing a meaningful relationship is studied from the present moment to the past. Every moment in a prior relationship has a profound impact on an individual's make up. Pine Cone explores the development of character by creating a video storytelling platform to discover how and why we behave in the social and technological environment of our complex lives. I highly recommend this move!

I watched the Pinecone premiere during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August 2023. The film included some beautiful photography and its three arcs were all visually and thematically distinct, which was impressive and essential for the telling of this story.

The story felt instantly familiar and relatable yet it managed to surprise and delight at times. There is an underlying sense of sadness in the overall narrative presented but fortunately this is balanced out with a message of hope which is immensely important for the target audience, especially those in a more vulnerable state of mind.

Congratulations to director Onir and team for another stellar feature.

Watching the film at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2023, where it shared a slot with my short film "Where's My Spot?", was a revelatory experience. As a filmmaker, the first impression was undeniable - the film is visually stunning. Learning that it was shot solely on an iPhone and a drone added to the awe; it's a testament to the fact that great storytelling transcends equipment.

Onir's direction is masterful in weaving a narrative that fluidly moves through time, making every moment count. The film's representation of the LGBTQ+ community is not just commendable but necessary, bringing much-needed visibility with sensitivity and depth. The music and songs are the unsung heroes here, adding layers to the characters and enriching the storyline.

This film breaks the conventional barriers of cinema, demonstrating that the essence of a great movie lies in its heart and vision, not in its budget. It stands as an inspiring beacon for independent filmmakers and a proud flagbearer for LGBTQ+ narratives in cinema. This is not just a film; it's a bold statement that with the right story and passion, anyone can create cinematic magic.

"Pinecone" is a breathtaking masterpiece that delicately unfolds the tender, passionate, and ultimately heartrending romance. Onir's masterful direction imbues every frame of "Pinecone" with a palpable sense of longing and desire, capturing the lush landscapes of Gurez Valley and the simmering tension between its protagonists with stunning visual elegance. But beyond its mesmerizing aesthetics and captivating performances, "Pinecone" is a deeply resonant exploration of love, identity, and the bittersweet passage of time. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, this film is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave viewers spellbound long after the credits roll. It is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and a reminder of the enduring magic of cinema.

Thankyou Onir for one more masterpiece!!

This is one of the best Queer films which I watched recently. So much relatable as a Gay man. The movie is so beautiful and colourful that had left a great impact. A truly mesmerizing and beautiful story telling. Folks, people watch this film if you ever get this golden chance. Thank you Onir for giving us this film. This is the story not only related to queer character. Even a straight person as an allies can relate to it so much. This is the film of love, journey of self realization to attain the destination of love. This film has created a hope that Queer love do exist. Only when you ultimately realized it.

Watched Pine Cone day before at the iView World Salon Series film festival at the American Centre in New Delhi. The movie is not just Onir's semi biographical anecdote but also of millions of queer individuals in the South Asian countries and diaspora. The movie talks about the difficulties queer individuals face while growing up, living in the closet, putting on layers to live a life where society won't judge them, and not just that it even shows how it's difficult even when they try to come out of the closet. Being a gay man myself, I could relate to it on so many levels. Loved how beautifully Onir has showed that finding love is kinda difficult not cause we don't want a partner but how a lot of individuals are still made to live a life of shame because of their sexuality and end up being in the closet till their last breaths. And, how the messed up relationship patterns affect the potential relationships due to trust issues and betrayals one has had faced in the past relationships esp cause of their partner's being in the closet.

It's a must watch film not just for queer individuals but for cisgender heterosexual people as well. The most beautiful part of Pine Cone is that most of the actors in it are from the LGBTQIA+ community, this was a much needed change in the film industry.

I watched Pine Cone at the London Flare festival in March 2024 and this one really made my day. This film met my expectations of what a decent Indian picture is supposed to look like: sentimental, colourful, filled with some action and plot twists. Additionally, it reflects our contemporary society - and not only Indian, far from it, plus gives some food for thought. The story revolves around a young and trendy Indian filmmaker who is involved in a romantic encounter but at some point starts behaving terribly and then the narrative gradually and thoroughly explains why. It's easy to feel for the characters and understand what motivates them to behave the way they do; and at the same time we are taught to try to learn from their mistakes and avoid our own. Educational!

Pine Cone is a well researched & conceptualised work highlighting one of the most crucial themes of the present day society. The film has addressed a wide spectrum of issues related to the queer community. The casting is precise & imposing and the plot is set keeping in view the intricate details of day to day issues with gay world. It is definitely one of the masterpieces in the library of contextual movies and is highly recommended to be watched with an open mind. Kudos to the entire team for a well researched, imposingly articulated and subtly emotional movie! Awesome experience watching it!

The movie deals with the very sensitive issue of gender equality . Equality of equal and same gender. As love has no gender since time immemorial. Director Onir has brought out this issue well stitched with a story which travels from south to north India . A very strong movie on a very fragile issue .The actors were well suited for their roles. The cinematic experience was thrilling. Background music was exact and appropriate. The length of the movie was just as required. The movie ended leaving more desire and left us unsatiated . The lead actor well carried his role so smoothly which was worth appreciating. . Well done , best of luck for future awards .

This masterpiece hit the most generic points soo hard, the ones that rarely think about.

This movie is meant to make you feel relatable at every point, from the camera angels, to the lighting, to the set, to the cast, to the dialogues, and ofcourse very very very mush relatable to the story line.

And the must mention is the song "mujhe Ishq pe yakeen ho chala". How this song was a constant reassurance of hope for love despite constantly failing in achieving it.

This movie also talks about forgiveness and how that leads to self love (only way to find love outside is loving oneself on the inside).

Such an outstanding movie till I am singing song from that movie. It's gives a great prospective for LGBTQ+ community. That's why it a masterpiece. Congratulations to Mr. Onir and his whole team. This movie shows the real situations of a gay person life. Everyone has to watch it once's in life to understand the LGBTQ+ community.

I watched this masterpiece at Delhi. I really like it because when I was watching this I feel my life past story. I like the story, all the character, everyone acting and all the scenes. I really want to watch this again and I hope I will get one more chance to watch it in future.

Watched this Wonderful movie based on queer people's life at the Amercian Centre, Delhi on 7, March. Few movies on queer people's life/ marginalised section with authentic storyline have been made in the history of indian cinema. I have earlier also watched My Brother Nikhil, Chauranga, Bas ek pal movies directed by Onir. All i can say is Cinema is a means of change and in this process issues of marginalised section of the society should should also be raised so that large section of the society comes to know about their problems.

Thank you Onir for making such meaningful cinema. The film deserves praise.

In the ethereal dance of cinematic storytelling, "Pinecone" emerges as a radiant beacon of artistry, captivating hearts and minds alike with its poignant narrative and spellbinding visuals. Directed by the visionary Onir, each frame is a brushstroke of exquisite beauty, painting a tapestry of emotions.

Set against the backdrop of a windswept landscape, the film unfolds like a delicate melody, whispering secrets of love, loss, and redemption. Through masterful performances, the ensemble cast breathes life into characters who traverse the labyrinth of human experience with grace and vulnerability.

The cinematography is a symphony of light and shadow, weaving a dreamscape that transcends reality, inviting viewers to lose themselves in its enchanting embrace. Every shot is a testament to the filmmaker's reverence for the natural world, imbuing each scene with a sense of wonder and awe.

Pinecone is a transcendent journey of the soul, a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity. With its haunting beauty and profound insight, it leaves an indelible mark on the heart, whispering its truths long after the final frame fades to black.

Great work Onir.

Onir's 'Pine Cone' is a cinematic revelation, stunningly captured through the lens of an iPhone, proving the boundless potential of storytelling in filmmaking. Set in India, this film transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, offering a deeply relatable exploration of love, despair, and the pursuit of happiness that resonates with a global audience, regardless of their personal experiences with dating and relationships. Onir, a master storyteller, adeptly navigates the nuanced tapestry of queer joy and the complexities of growing up gay in India, delivering a narrative that is both specific in its setting and universal in its themes. The film's intimate, tastefully crafted scenes of intimacy, combined with its vibrant portrayal of despair and joy, celebrate the richness of human experience across the spectrum of sexuality. The visuals, hard to believe were captured on iPhones, are nothing short of breathtaking. Kudos to Onir's cinematographer, who has managed to elevate the film's storytelling with their visionary work, capturing the essence of India's diverse landscape and the universal emotions of its characters with clarity, beauty, and authenticity. 'Pine Cone' is a testament to the power of innovative filmmaking and storytelling. It challenges viewers to see beyond the surface, inviting them into a world where every frame speaks volumes, and every story, regardless of its origin, holds the power to resonate deeply. Onir and his team have crafted a masterpiece that is a must-watch for anyone who cherishes cinema that moves, challenges, and inspires.

This moviee is a gem! It's a must watch because it deals with issues you can relate to your life and can connect with the film. Andddd the cast is sooo goooood! If you get a chance to see it and I hope that you do. Then please watch it with an open heart! I got a chance to see it in delhi... and meet some of the people involved with this film like Onir, Vidur and other cast members... It was a great experience to watch the movie with the actors sitting right in front of you...😬😂 and then we had a panel discussion alsoo with the cast in which people talked about their experiences and asked questions about the movie... OVERALL IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND YOU MUSTTTT WATCH THIS AMAZING PIECE OF ART!✌🏻

Onir takes us through the lead character's journey of his relationships retrospectively over 3 decades. It showcases changes in his emotions, personality, self acceptance, self loathing, heartbreaks, disappointment and achievements. A mixed bag of feelings his life is like anyone of us. It took me back to my school and college days and I relived 20 years of my life in less than two hours.

It leaves you on a light and positive note that it's not difficult to fight your inner demons because of your past cruel experiences that slowly destroy your soul. We can overcome them if we want. I loved travelling through different cities and landscapes. It felt like I was a part of lead characters life.