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Roobha is a 2018 Tamil-Canadian romantic drama film directed by Lenin M. Sivam. The film tells the story of a Sri Lankan refugee named Roobha, played by Amrit Sandhu, who has fled to Toronto in search of a better life. Roobha's life is complicated by her gender identity as a transgender woman and the challenges she faces in a society that is still coming to terms with LGBTQ rights.

The film opens with Roobha working as a hairstylist in a salon in Toronto. Her life changes when she meets Anthony, played by Jesuthasan Antonythasan, who is a recent immigrant from Sri Lanka. Anthony is drawn to Roobha's kindness and beauty, and the two form an unlikely friendship.

As the film progresses, Anthony and Roobha's friendship deepens into a romantic relationship. However, their relationship is complicated by Anthony's past, which includes a wife and child back in Sri Lanka. Anthony struggles to reconcile his feelings for Roobha with his sense of duty to his family, while Roobha faces discrimination and violence from members of the Tamil community who disapprove of her gender identity.

Roobha's story is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the human experience. The film grapples with complex issues surrounding gender identity and LGBTQ rights, while also exploring the themes of cultural identity and the immigrant experience.

The performances in Roobha are particularly noteworthy. Amrit Sandhu delivers a stunning performance as Roobha, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the screen. Sandhu's portrayal of Roobha is grounded in empathy, and she captures the struggles and triumphs of a transgender woman in a society that often excludes and marginalizes her.

Jesuthasan Antonythasan is equally impressive in his role as Anthony. As an actor known for his work in films like Dheepan and Mathil Mel Poonai, Antonythasan brings a sense of authenticity to his portrayal of Anthony's struggles with identity and family duty. His chemistry with Sandhu is electric, and the two actors create a powerful on-screen partnership.

The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy. Lenin M. Sivam brings a nuanced approach to his direction, allowing the story and characters to unfold naturally without resorting to melodrama or sensationalism. The film's cinematography, by Tim Myles, captures the beauty of Toronto and the diversity of its communities, while also conveying the emotional weight of Roobha's story.

Overall, Roobha is a powerful and important film that tackles complex issues with empathy and nuance. The film's exploration of gender identity and LGBTQ rights is timely and necessary, and its exploration of the immigrant experience and cultural identity is both poignant and touching. With strong performances, direction, and cinematography, Roobha is a must-see for anyone interested in powerful storytelling and compelling filmmaking.

Roobha is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.