There is something very pure, unique and profound about Sridhar Rangayan’s “Evening Shadows” that’s planned to be screened as part of Toronto’s LGBT Film Festival. As soon as the film begins, it takes you to the world of a mother-and-son relationship that even a deadly hurricane cannot destroy. However, the secret the young man hides from his parents cannot be easily overcome due to the conservative society of India, but when the mother learns about her son’s sexuality, she will have to test her love and patience towards the child who did not become who they wanted or expected him to be…

Kanna or Kartik is a young gay man who lives in Mumbai. He dates Aman, a well-established manager in a big company. They both are gay. When Kartik travels home, his shock knew no boundaries when he learns about his parents’ desire to marry him to the young woman he knew since childhood. The man refuses to fulfil his especially demanding father’s order to tie the knot and tries to take an hour at a time. Not hiding his real reason of coming home to visit his dearest mother Vasudha, he wants to find the right moment to confess about his true self. But when he does that, the reaction he gets is not what he expected…

Maybe it sounds dramatic, but the strong bond and emotional strength both Vasudha and Kartik share with each other is truly remarkable. As you watch his mother, you realize that there is nothing she would not do for her son, especially when it comes to accepting the harsh realities of the society she lives in. Kartik loves photography and in fact is well-known in Mumbai. While his father does not really believe him, his mother admires every fact of it, knowing that her son is out there to make a name for himself.

But as the story unfolds, the film turns into a really sad journey that’s both very touching and special. You develop feelings for its characters, feel bad for Kartik or getting fascinated even more as you learn more about Vasudha’s fighting personality and her ability to stand and fight for her son even if the whole world turns against him. That part is what makes this film unlike many others you have seen. Even she once says to her son, “ I know, the words your father says to you may sound bitter. But medicine is bitter too.”, However, that comparison, even though did make sense at that moment, soon it will be him and her only on a whole new level as tears will come down.

In conclusion, “Evening Shadows” is an astounding film with a charming touch. It’s so sweet and harmless it can warm any heart. It touches upon the mother-and-son relationship in the most adorable way. In the end, the main goal of the film is to deliver the most important lesson – to take note of everyone who feels has the right to judge someone for being so-called “different”. Because after watching “Evening Shadows” there should be no doubt left that we humans are the same beings that can be distinguished by gender to be called a man or a woman and never question anything else beyond that. Because it should not matter and I hope it never will be.