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.
26 Reviews
Enthralling saga of family
harish-842176 March 2019
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.
Filial love or her value system: What will the mother choose?
mehulchandrajoshi17 April 2020
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.
The tale of the beautiful relationship between a mother and her gay son
praveenrai-488916 December 2018
Just watched the movie.... Beautifully made, very touching and so many emotionally moving scenes resonated with me, and am sure they did resonate likewise with a lot many people who watched the movie..... a very big heart felt thank you to the makers for making this movie!
Makes me feel hopeful that in the kind of scenario as depicted in the story, a happy-ending could be possible, after all!
Thoughtful Movie
rohitsrain5 January 2021
Beautiful depiction of two relationships.
srandhawa-8222 March 2019
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.
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.
Not yet a full fledged movie
applogonjinish16 November 2019
I can say that the direction of the movie is immature and the story is very obvious. Cinematography is good but acting is very weak. At some points in the movie it appears as if the director is in a hurry and wants to finish a scene without allowing due time to culminate the situation of the story into a mature episode.
Although the ending was much better in terms of acting performance. I would not recommend it to film loving friends.
Although the ending was much better in terms of acting performance. I would not recommend it to film loving friends.
A great film addressing multiple issues with gusto and love
lancechenhayes17 December 2018
Just saw this amazing film with an expertly written screenplay, a stellar cast, and beautiful cinematography. It touches on so many issues (patriarchy, homophobia, parent-child relationship, etc.) and has so much depth. It's also touching and moving. With India's top court's recent historical ruling to decriminalize homosexuality, this film is timely.
Has to be viewed in the context of the culture
qui_j4 March 2019
This is not a great film as others have suggested, but if viewed in the cultural context in which it is set, it does represent a step forward. The story is more about the family's acceptance of the gay son, and less about a relationship or chemistry between the son and his partner. Unfortunately, it is not likely to find wide global appeal but will probably find its niche audience in India. The dialog and cultural stereotyping and cliches that drive the film are just not relatable to other audiences, in fact, the dialog would just seem silly to someone from a western culture. It does however, represent a good start for this type of film from that country still struggling with change on all fronts.
Great story - must watch!
ashwin-9754310 March 2019
Absolutely incredible movie. A great story that has so much depth to it. Very engaging and it takes you through the journey of the mother son relationship, in an emotional and heart felt way. Beautifully made! Hats off to the producers!
Waste of time, poorly made, DON'T Watch!
sutirthoganguly7 March 2019
I used to like Sridhar's work. But this movie has changed my view. I don't know what to expect from him anymore. Such a pathetically made movie! The story is an obvious, a complete give away, easily discernible, no element of surprise. Over acting, high drama, soul less acting, to name a few. Probably the only positive aspect is the length of the movie. You are relieved soon of the torture. And the fact that you are relieved soon leads to another aspect : The story is rushed, it struggles to reach the end by moving fast. Viewers are completely clueless about what's happening. Lot of confusion and hence the viewer has to really focus a lot.
For a non Indian viewer, this movie will make no sense at all, so for the larger audience, this is hopeless.
One word for it : "Pathetic"! Would never recommend watching this.
One word for it : "Pathetic"! Would never recommend watching this.
Motivating and Inspiring - a must watch for every closeted gay person
debarghyaju3 March 2019
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.
Fantastic! I loved it and so did my Mom!
neebe12 December 2018
Must watch!
arunkumarsenthilnathan28 February 2019
Awesome movie - very well made - apt portrayal of emotions involved in the coming out process in a conservative family - well captured moments from a closeted person's life - some scenes were so relatable and brought tears to my eyes - more such movies should be made representing every color of the rainbow - kudos to the team that made this happen
Not worth the watch
lakshanyalikitha12 February 2021
The first thought that left me baffled and spoilt the experience of watching this movie, which admittedly i did not bother watching till the end is why in the wide world were the characters speaking in hindi, if they are meant to be a family living in tamil nadu, firmly entrenched in the agragaram community living?
With random tamil words thrown in, for what exactly? Perhaps for good measure
It thoroughly annoyed me. Tamilians especially the tamil iyengars do not speak hindi in their day to day living
If you want to make a hindi language movie, set it in north india, in delhi perhaps
Maybe its just me, but then i always as a matter of principle do not watch movies with an obvious, glaring, jarring issue between language and the native setting of the movie itself
Acting was completely one dimensional as well, with really weird, stilted conversations all around
Just utter balderdash
Could have been a great movie, especially with the idea of this movie
Just a complete let down and its a shame
A tribute to all Mothers
podnimma29 September 2018
A must watch!
sauvikchaudhuri31 May 2020
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.
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.
Superb
anandgoyalca17 January 2021
One of the superb movie I watched on this subject and first one I saw which depicts the such a wonderful bonding between mother and son, and her love for son whatever world may think. This movie would give courage to many people who are in closet. For my it is 10/10 and must watch for people who loves emotional attachment with mother.
A must watch movie for Indian Parents
sureshramdas8 March 2019
Finished watching this movie. Everything about this movie was beautiful, fantastic and moving. Mona just killed it with her performance. She is simply amazing. Also every character in this movie did justice to their roles. Thanks to Sridhar for making this movie. Love it love it.
BRILLIANT.
raahatarora-580169 July 2020
Amazing Movie. A Queer movie which can makes the viewers get connected and emotional. Excellent acting and great writing. Struggles and homophobic reactions are clearly depicted.
P.s- Finally the LGBT movie with no sex as a priority but reality.
P.s- Finally the LGBT movie with no sex as a priority but reality.
Pioneering and Avante Gaurde !
deviashima3 March 2019
I've seen all of Sridhar Rangayan's films ! This one stands out! I think it's his best work !! He has really blossomed as a director ! His handling of a very delicate and sensitive subject of lack of acceptance of homosexuality in India through his lens is remarkable . The subtle childhood memories and a father's sticking to his traditional and archaic values and social barricades, the mother's unconditional love and standing up for her child, all captured cogently in a beautiful film.
Riveting performances by Mona Ambegaonkar !( love love! Love! You ) Anantji and the rest of the team!!! All in all a very Avante Gaurde movie. A pioneering work that will serve as a beacon to all future gay film makers !! Kudos. Its just the beginning !!!
Beautiful
marcusflorida216 December 2019
One star for each time this movie made me cry. And trust me... this is not an easy task to happen lately. I loved it so much that I even downloaded the song. Beautiful photography of India. Interesting cultural facts. A truly incredible journey of mother and son.
Great work
anonk-2447623 February 2021
Beautiful movie about Mother and her son
mcheta9 December 2018
Genuine intentions!
harshagangca27 February 2021
This movie, at times a but unrealistic, still manages to touches all the right aspects of a guy coming out in a traditional family. The relationship between the guy and his mother are warm and true. Just a gentle kiss between the partners would've made it even more genuine.
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