In Transit Series Review – A Powerful Tapestry of Trans Lives, Loosely Woven

🎥 Introduction: A Glimpse Into Lives Often Overlooked

Amazon Prime Video’s In Transit is a four-part docu-series backed by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, born out of their work on Made In Heaven Season 2. This emotionally stirring documentary captures real-life stories of trans and non-binary individuals across India, offering glimpses into lives shaped by struggle, strength, rejection, and acceptance. However, hurried narration and fragmented structure leave many of these rich narratives underexplored.

🧩 The Concept: Real Stories Rooted in Resilience

Conceived while creating the trans character Meher (played by Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju), In Transit evolved into a series spotlighting nine individuals. These stories tackle gender identity, body autonomy, family estrangement, and emotional rebirth, painting a complex picture of what it means to live beyond the binary.

We meet Madhuri Sharma, a trans woman who talks poignantly about the personal cost of embracing her truth. Her sari isn’t just a garment – it’s a symbol of loss, sacrifice, and fierce self-acceptance. Another subject, Rumi, once trained in classical music as a woman, must now rediscover his voice after transitioning to a man.

These narratives carry immense emotional weight, rooted in deep personal history, cultural expectations, and resistance. It’s not just identity that’s shifting – it’s their relationship with family, society, and self.

🎬 Direction & Storytelling: Intention Strong, Execution Uneven

Directed by Ayesha Sood, the series is visually polished and emotionally affecting in parts. But where In Transit stumbles is in its pacing and structure. With so many stories to tell across just four episodes, it rarely lingers long enough to let any one life resonate deeply.

The constant intercutting between stories becomes a distraction. Just as we begin to emotionally connect with one person, we’re pulled away to another. The one-on-one interviews are sincere, but the docuseries sometimes feels like it’s rushing to tick representation boxes rather than allowing each voice its full due.

Even the creative decision to include animated visuals during narration – like clouds and birds representing emotional metaphors – feels a little too literal and doesn’t always enhance the emotional impact.

🧠 Thematic Depth: Representation vs Reflection

There’s no doubt that In Transit plays an important role in normalizing trans narratives on mainstream platforms. However, the lack of marketing and visibility from Amazon Prime is disappointing. The show doesn’t appear to have received the same push as other mainstream content, and that defeats its purpose to a degree.

There are also missed opportunities for deeper reflection. For instance, the assault of a Dalit trans activist is mentioned briefly but isn’t given the space it deserves. Similarly, Siddharth Gope’s story of love and identity finds a premature resolution, leaving us wanting more insight and closure.

🌟 What Works: Lived Experiences That Leave a Mark

Despite its shortcomings, the emotional core of In Transit shines through. The real stories and the real people behind them are its beating heart. Vulnerability becomes power, and each narrative offers a window into worlds so often hidden or ignored. These are stories that not only deserve to be seen – they demand to be remembered.

🔚 Final Verdict: 3/5 – Important, Impactful, but Not Fully Realized

In Transit is a much-needed addition to India’s OTT documentary space, offering empathy-rich glimpses into the lives of transgender individuals. While the intent is pure and powerful, the show’s structural missteps and pacing issues hold it back from achieving its full potential.

It’s a documentary that starts strong, stumbles in storytelling, but still lands emotionally, thanks to the people at its center.