Evening Shadows

Evening Shadows is a film that made me happy, made me sad, gave insight to reflect upon and to see ahead towards a beautiful future, all at the same time.

It's beautifully made and indeed a beautiful film. The story, the cast and the direction made it real and sureal. I could relate to numerous Aman's and Kartik's around us and within us; within me. The film made me happy because it gives a voice, depicts, challenges and changes a certain line of thought still prevalent in our society. I was sad that such a beautiful film from India was released out of India; why? wins accolades around the world and is still unheard in our mainstream film world, why does this film not make to our awards; Why? A lot needs to still change.

This film is not just a story its an insight to all Aman's and Kartik's world, it's a reflection that we need a change, actually is a wake-up call and is a path to look ahead. I wish there is a sequel to Evening Shadows and is called may be 'The New Dawn'. Who knows🙂 it may happen.

I thank Sridhar for giving the world this masterpiece.

The movie shows the love and depth in 2 relations, one of Mother and son and other of two people(in this story) men in Love. The relationship between the men is shown beautifully which breaks usual myths in Indian mentality that it looks wrong, vulgar or two men(or woman) are in this just for sex. It correctly shows that the relationship is a normal one involving care and support for each other and cherishing beautiful moments together.

It also shows the mother at first being in denial and completely shocked when the son out out but then gradually accepts her son as is once she understands that there is nothing wrong about it. She goes on to defend her son in front of his Dad and supports him like a rock. That shows the power of mother's love. She not only faces her fears of the relationship but also discovers her long lost passion for painting, thanks to her son.

Overall a must watch movie for everyone and superb performance by lead actors. Mom played by Mona shines the best.

What happens when a conservative woman who has dedicated her life to her family has to come to terms with her son's sexuality? Who will she choose? Sridhar Rangayan's Evening Shadows is a heartwarming tale of how Kartik comes out to his mother, Vasudha. Kartik is an acclaimed professional photographer who lives in Mumbai with his boyfriend, Aman. Kartik returns to his hometown after four years to attend a pooja. It is now that Kartik has to disclose the big secret to his mother. Evening Shadows is a revelation in the field of writing. Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta weave a story extremely real and personal. The duo manages to capture the plight of women in Indian families with impeccable accuracy. The characters are reasonably layered and adequately written. Excluding a handful of scenes which do not land, the writing is hands-down the best we've seen in Indian LGBTQ+ cinema. Sridhar's direction leaves us in awe of his potential. His understanding of Indian families is scarily real. With a specialisation in queer cinema, he binds a wreath of extremely real events. Cinematography by Subhransu is breathtaking. But the problem is the wobbly editing and hideous background score. Editing by Praveen Angre is disproportionate and unsatisfactory. The background score is extremely disruptive and cringe-worthy. What makes Evening Shadows, a worthy watch is not just the writing but the awe-inspiring performances. Mona Ambegoankar as the mother, Vasudha will leave you speechless. Her performance is extremely potent and believable. Devansh Doshi as Kartik is concise and sharp in his performance. He has deep empathy for his character. Ananth Narayan Mahadevan as the father, Damodar will surely strike fear in your hearts with an outstanding performance. But among the lot, Yamini Singh as Sarita will make your heart wrench and sympathise with her. The film features Surmae Shaam by Shubha Mudgal which will stir a plethora of emotions. In conclusion, Evening Shadows is an extremely well-made film but with its own flaws.

Such a touching and moving film about a boys struggle to reconcile himself with the very different expectations of his parents. I thought the film captured much of the angst and tortured expression between mother and son, father and son and the complementary dynamics with other family members, quite astutely. Beautifully shot in periurban Karnataka, the landscape shots are as engrossing and captivating as the dialogue. Kudos, an important film who's time is long overdue.

First of all big congrats to the crew with special mention to screenplay,edit,cinematography and actors especially Mona ji. Its really huge leap from caricature portrayal of queer in Indian movies to sensible,subtle ,confident and goal oriented queer individuals .The apt sketch of a mother's emotional turmoil from disdaining mother to accepting person is mesmerizing. every possible movie geek must watch.