Release Date: May 2025 (Limited Release)
Director: Karan Kandhari
Cast: Radhika Apte, Ashok Pathak, Chhaya Kadam, Smita Tambe
Genre: Dark Comedy, Horror, Drama
Rating: 3.5/5
Synopsis of the story
‘Sister Midnight’ is a unique dark comedy set in a working-class area of Mumbai. The film tells the story of Uma (Radhika Apte), who moves to Mumbai from a small village with her husband Gopal (Ashok Pathak) after an arranged marriage. Uma finds it difficult to adjust to her new life and husband, who leaves her lonely and neglected. She is unable to do household chores and the noise of the city disturbs her. As her frustration grows, she falls victim to a mysterious illness that leads her to strange and wild tendencies at night.
Superb acting by Radhika Apte
Radhika Apte’s performance is the heart of this film. She brings to life the character of Uma, who is angry, bitter and outspoken. Her physical comedy and expressions convey the story effectively even without dialogues. Whether it is expressing her frustrations with her marriage or embracing her new wild tendencies, Apte steals every scene. Her character’s journey reflects rebellion against societal expectations and a quest for self-liberation.
Direction and style
Karan Kandhari’s direction is bold and unconventional. He takes inspiration from filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Jim Jarmusch, resulting in a unique visual style and a blend of quirky humor. The film’s cinematography (Sverre Sordal) and production design (Shruti Gupte) beautifully capture the tight and vibrant atmosphere of Mumbai. The music, which features contributions from Paul Banks, ranges from Bengali folk to American punk, further enhancing the mood of the film.
Strong and weak sides
The first half of the film is a scathing satire on gender roles, colourism and social expectations. Uma’s friendship with neighbour Sheetal (Chhaya Kadam) and transgender women from the Hijra community adds depth to the story. However, the second half loses its momentum somewhat, as it tries to mix multiple genres (comedy, horror, drama). Some viewers may find this disorganised, but it is also part of the unpredictable nature of the film.
Themes and messages
‘Sister Midnight’ is a powerful commentary against arranged marriages and a patriarchal society. It is the story of a woman who breaks social expectations and carves out her own identity. The film also touches upon issues of colourism, such as the use of billboards for skin-whitening creams. Uma’s friendships with other marginalised people like her, such as the transgender community and her neighbours, show the importance of community and support.
Is it worth watching?
If you are a fan of unconventional and bold stories, then ‘Sister Midnight’ is for you. It is perfect for viewers who love a mix of dark humour, social commentary and brilliant acting. However, if you are looking for a straightforward story, then this film might leave you a little confused. Radhika Apte’s performance and Karan Kandhari’s unique approach make it a must-watch.
Rating: 3.5/5
Why watch: Radhika Apte’s brilliant performance, unique visual style, and social commentary
What to skip: If you like a monotonous story, this may not be for you.
Where to watch: Sister Midnight releases in select theatres in India and the US in May 2025. Check local listings for the latest show times.
