My Own Country (1998)

In the poignant drama "My Own Country," we follow the journey of Dr. Abraham Verghese, an East Indian medical graduate from the renowned Madras Medical College, as he navigates his newfound life in the rustic charm of Johnson City, Tennessee. With a wife, Rajani, who is a graceful dancer, and a son, Steven, his life seems complete. However, Abraham's true calling reveals itself amidst the burgeoning AIDS crisis of the mid-80s. With a specialization in infectious diseases, Dr. Verghese finds himself drawn towards the plight of those suffering from AIDS. He launches into a personal crusade against this terrifying disease, traversing local gay/lesbian hangouts and clubs to foster public awareness. His compassionate, non-judgmental approach resonates within the community, and soon, he finds himself caring for as many as 82 patients at the local hospital, some even traveling from surrounding states. However, this unwavering dedication comes at a cost. His work engulfs him, causing him to neglect his heavily pregnant wife, Rajani, who gives birth to their second son, Jacob, amidst her husband's growing absence. As fear grips her heart about her husband's potential exposure to the disease, she confronts him with the threat of marriage counseling. As if navigating personal turmoil isn't enough, Dr. Verghese also grapples with hospital administration, who are concerned about dwindling funds and resources being expended on patients who may never recover. "My Own Country" is thus a stirring narrative that intertwines the realms of personal relationships, societal prejudice, and the unyielding spirit of a doctor determined to fight an insidious disease.

My Own Country is a drama movie featuring Naveen Andrews and directed by Mira Nair.

My Own Country is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee and Tubi TV and it's also available on Cineverse.