Evening Shadows

This is a story of a young man Kartik, who decides to come out to his conservative parents as gay. But beside being a coming out movie, thie film has portrayed many other aspects of a typical conservative Indian Family and the condition of the women there. The story and the screenplay and the dialogues are so brilliant that while watching the movie, I felt like this is the story of my life. Felt like I'm watching me and my mother on the screen. The story is neither hyper optimistic - that shows being gay to be a widely accepted and welcome idea, age nor is this a pessimistic movie that focuses only on the struggles. This movie is realistic. As I'm going through the same phase as Kartik right now, I could really relate to all his emotions and they felt so real. I must admit that this movie has provided major strength to me to ascertain my decision of finally coming out to my parents. This type of movies should be made more in numbers, so that they can influence a lot of people like us to live lives being themselves.

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.

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.

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.