Shook is a 2025 drama film that marks a powerful feature-length debut from director Amar Wala. Co-written by Wala and novelist Adnan Khan, the film centers on Ashish (played by Saamer Usmani), an Indo-Canadian aspiring writer living in Scarborough, Toronto. As Ashish wrestles with ambition and obligation—wanting to move downtown to pursue his literary dreams while reconnecting with his estranged, ailing father—Shook presents a deeply personal story drawn from Wala’s own life.
The film releases on August 8, 2025, and stars Saamer Usmani, Bernard White, Amy Forsyth, and Pamela Mala Sinha. It builds on Wala’s 2018 short film with the same name and is based on his own experiences after his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Where Was Shook Filmed?
In June 2023, the main filming for Shook took place in Toronto, Canada. A lot of the filming took place in the Scarborough district, which is a suburb known for its many cultures and active immigrant communities. Scarborough is an important part of the story because it shows how Ashish feels and is based in a real, lived-in version of Toronto.
Key Filming Locations in Toronto
Scarborough Neighborhoods
Scarborough is not just a backdrop but an essential part of the story. The movie shows different parts of this eastern Toronto suburb where Ashish’s family lives. The setting feels grounded and real thanks to the residential neighbourhoods, local streets, and community hangouts.
Kennedy Station and 2466 Eglinton Avenue East
One important spot is close to Kennedy Station, which is a hub for subway and bus service in east Toronto. Scenes were filmed near 2466 Eglinton Avenue East, which is close to where Kennedy Road meets Eglinton Avenue East. This area is a metaphor for the change from Ashish’s family roots in Scarborough to the city life he wants to create downtown.
Downtown Toronto Bars, Coffee Shops, and House Parties
The movie moves to downtown Toronto as Ashish looks for new connections and career goals. People will see a variety of coffee shops, hip bars and lively cocktail lounges that were all picked to represent the creative and social spaces Ashish is using. These real-life places give the story more depth and show how multicultural and lively Toronto is.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (Viscount Station)
Viscount Station, which is part of the Link Train system at Toronto Pearson International Airport, was used for some scenes. This area connects the terminals and is used by both airport staff and passengers a lot. It gives the movie a bigger cityscape and may show times when characters are physically or emotionally changing.
Why Toronto Matters in Shook
Director Amar Wala made a clear creative choice to shoot Toronto as itself—not as a stand-in for another city. His focus on real places like Scarborough’s residential streets and bustling downtown cafés emphasizes the film’s commitment to truthfully portraying the Indo-Canadian experience. It also pays tribute to his own memories growing up in the city.
Official Trailer
For more behind-the-scenes insights and filming location news, visit netfilming.com — your source for everything TV, movies, and production updates.
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