A Growing Artistic Journey

Jayandra Chiluwal, a Nepali-born actor and storyteller based in New York City, continues to make strides in his artistic career. With his rich background in the Meisner technique and voice and speech training, Chiluwal has become known for his emotionally grounded and culturally nuanced performances. Over the years, he has delivered captivating roles in films such as Life in L.A., The Cafone, Left of the Dial, and others. His stage credits, including The Millionairess, The Tempest, A Christmas Carol, Pandemic Love, and most recently One in a Million, performed this past summer at the iconic Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret Theatre in Manhattan, have also showcased his remarkable range and depth as an actor.

However, it’s his recent work in the short film Shadows of the Heart that marks another significant milestone in his career. The film, directed by Pramod Bishwokarma, was featured at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center during the Stony Brook MFA Second-Year Showcase. This screening, which took place at the iconic Film at Lincoln Center, further solidified Chiluwal’s standing as a key voice in the evolving landscape of independent cinema.

A Powerful Portrait of Empathy

Shadows of the Heart is a short film that delves into the intricate emotional lives of its characters. Set against the backdrop of everyday life in Queens, New York, the film offers a tender exploration of connection and distance. Written, directed, and produced by Pramod Bishwokarma, the film tells the story of individuals navigating their relationships, longing, and renewal. Chiluwal plays Dinesh, a character whose empathy and understanding serve as the emotional backbone of the film.

In his portrayal of Dinesh, Chiluwal brings a profound sense of warmth and sincerity to the screen. His performance resonates deeply with audiences, grounded in authenticity and emotional depth. While the film’s ensemble cast delivers remarkable performances, Chiluwal’s portrayal of Dinesh is a steady, calming force that adds a quiet but powerful presence to the film. His ability to tap into the emotional rhythm of his character is a testament to his skill as an actor, and his subtle approach to the role makes Dinesh’s empathy a quiet but vital undercurrent in the story.

Chiluwal’s performance was met with critical acclaim, with actress Marie-Louise Boisnier noting the emotional vulnerability he brought to the role. “The emotional vulnerability Jayandra brought was beautiful to watch, and the film radiates quiet strength,” she commented. This reflection from industry professionals echoed the sentiments of the audience, who found Shadows of the Heart to be a poignant portrayal of human connection.

An Ensemble of Talent

The success of Shadows of the Heart is not just attributed to Chiluwal’s stellar performance but also to the harmony of the film’s entire cast and crew. Sudip Ulak’s portrayal of Binod, alongside Chameli Khati’s soulful depiction of Tara, creates a balanced emotional tapestry that elevates the film’s themes of empathy and belonging. The ensemble cast’s collective chemistry ensures that each performance complements the other, enriching the narrative.

The film’s technical achievements also contribute significantly to its emotional impact. Bishwokarma’s direction, combined with Joseph Shawyer’s cinematography, captures Queens in a soft, poetic light. The visuals, with their gentle blues and golds, evoke the themes of longing and renewal that permeate the story. Richa Gurung’s production design and Matthew Regan’s sound work further ground the film in authenticity, creating a textured, immersive world that mirrors the characters’ emotional journeys.

The film’s closing song, “Believe (No Backing)” by DaniHaDani, provides a sense of hope and resolution, reinforcing the film’s themes of personal growth and emotional recognition. The collaborative effort behind Shadows of the Heart speaks to the power of teamwork in bringing an artistic vision to life.

A Moment of Reflection

At the screening of Shadows of the Heart at Film at Lincoln Center, the audience was left in reflective silence, deeply moved by the film’s emotional weight. The story isn’t about resolution but about recognition—recognizing the complexities of relationships, the distance between people, and the quiet strength found in empathy. This message resonated with viewers, many of whom shared personal reflections after the screening.

Writer and actor Gaston Leguizamon mentioned how the portrayal of the relationship between Jayandra Chiluwal’s character and his on-screen mother struck a chord with him as someone living away from his own mother. This connection between the film and the personal experiences of its viewers highlights the universal themes of belonging and human connection that Shadows of the Heart explores.

Looking Ahead

Jayandra Chiluwal’s work in Shadows of the Heart represents a significant step in his ongoing artistic journey. His ability to bring emotional depth and authenticity to his roles continues to set him apart as a talented actor and storyteller. As he continues to refine his craft, it’s clear that Chiluwal’s future in film and theater will be marked by powerful performances that resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

As his career progresses, Shadows of the Heart serves as both a testament to his growth as an artist and an invitation for audiences to witness the evolution of a remarkable actor. Chiluwal’s portrayal of Dinesh is a quiet yet profound reminder of the power of empathy and human connection—values that will no doubt continue to shape his work in the years to come.