All We Imagine As Light Review: Payal Kapadia's Film Is A Powerful Portrayal Of Urban Life And Human Connections

All We Imagine As Light Review: It’s often a cinematic tragedy when a film that wins the Grand Prix Award at the Cannes Film Festival struggles to find an audience in its own country, with limited or no theatrical or OTT release. Thankfully, Rana Daggubati took the initiative to bring 'All We Imagine As Light' to audiences across India after its release in Kerala. His efforts deserve appreciation because, as cinema speaks, it must be heard. Payal Kapadia’s latest offering certainly has something important to say. 

All We Imagine As Light story 

The film revolves around Prabha, Anu, and Parvathi, three women working in a Mumbai hospital. Prabha, the head nurse, moved to Mumbai from another city. She was married off by her parents, but her husband moved to Germany soon after. She hasn’t heard from him in over a year, except for the arrival of a pressure cooker in the mail. 

Anu, also an outsider, falls in love with a Muslim doctor. However, societal and familial pressures make their relationship challenging due to their differing religions. 

Parvathi faces eviction threats from a builder but refuses to leave her home. 

Each woman grapples with personal struggles in a bustling city that offers little solace. Their lives intertwine as they make a bold decision that brings unexpected joy. To uncover what that decision is, you’ll have to experience the film in a theater. 

How is All We Imagine As Light

The film opens with familiar depictions of Mumbai’s chaos, but quickly transitions to something deeper—unveiling the loneliness and suffocation hidden beneath the city’s facade. The narrative unfolds at a slow pace, yet it captivates with its authenticity, drawing viewers into its emotional depths. 

The film features several dialogues in Malayalam, so those unfamiliar with the language should pay close attention to the subtitles to fully grasp the plot. For anyone who has left their hometown to work in a bustling metropolis, this film resonates deeply. Even if you haven’t, it offers a window into the emotional challenges faced by outsiders in a city like Mumbai. 

It portrays Mumbai as a city that welcomes everyone but rarely offers the warmth of a true embrace. It’s a film that dares to speak amidst the noise, urging us to listen. 

Performances 

Kani Kusruti as Prabha delivers a remarkable performance, capturing the pain and loneliness of her character with nuance and authenticity. 

Divya Prabha as Anu brings life to the emotional turmoil of a young woman in love, torn between her feelings and societal expectations. Her expressions convey volumes. 

Chhaya Kadam plays a pivotal role and does complete justice to her character, leaving a lasting impact. 

Hridhu Haroon, as Anu’s boyfriend, is convincing in his role and complements the narrative well. 

Direction and writing 

Written and directed by Payal Kapadia, the film is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. Her writing and direction are both commendable, immersing the audience in the protagonists' experiences and emotions. While the film’s slow pace might not appeal to all, it’s precisely this deliberate tempo that amplifies its essence. A faster pace could have buried the subtle emotions and layered storytelling amidst the city's relentless chaos. 

Final Verdict 

This is a film that has garnered international recognition and deserves our respect and attention at home. It’s a cinematic gem that speaks volumes about human connections, resilience, and the unspoken struggles of urban life. 

If you value meaningful storytelling, this is a film you shouldn’t miss.