All We Imagine As Light is a poignant and evocative drama film released in 2024, directed and written by Payal Kapadia. The movie is a nuanced exploration of the lives of three women navigating the complexities of urban existence, personal dreams, emotional isolation, and social constraints in the bustling city of Mumbai. Starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, the film combines poetic realism with heartfelt storytelling to portray themes of loneliness, aspiration, identity, and sisterhood.

Plot Summary

The narrative weaves together the stories of three women whose lives intersect through friendship and shared struggles:

Prabha (Kani Kusruti):

A nurse at a busy hospital, Prabha is reserved and measured. She lives with the memory of her estranged husband who left for Germany shortly after their arranged marriage. The only physical reminder of him is an anonymously sent rice cooker from Germany, symbolizing the emotional distance and unresolved longing. Prabha struggles with expressing her emotions but finds subtle solace and care in her interactions, including with her gentle and earnest colleague Dr. Manoj.

Anu (Divya Prabha):

Prabha’s young and restless roommate, Anu is vibrant, bold, and in love with Shiaz, a young Muslim man. Their interracial and interfaith relationship invites social scrutiny and gossip, to which Anu responds with unabashed confidence and yearning for freedom. Her relentless pursuit of happiness contrasts with Prabha’s cautious restraint, yet both women share unspoken bonds of vulnerability.

Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam):

An older widow and hospital cook, Parvaty faces the imminent loss of her long-time home to urban development, highlighting issues of class, displacement, and social invisibility. Strong yet burdened by practical and emotional challenges, she decides to return to her village by the sea, with the compassionate support of her friends.

The film opens with a vibrant depiction of Mumbai waking up, the bustling city life serving as a silent but powerful character enveloping their stories. Through conversations, moments of silence, and shared experiences, the film gradually lays bare the emotional terrain of migration, alienation, hope, and unapologetic self-expression.

The intertwined lives of Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty portray three generational perspectives on womanhood and belonging in a city that is both a land of opportunity and alienation.

Characters and Performances

Kani Kusruti as Prabha:

Kani inhabits Prabha with quiet dignity and emotional nuance, portraying a woman carefully guarding her heart amid unresolved loss and societal expectations.

Divya Prabha as Anu:

Divya’s expressive, lively portrayal reflects youthful spirit, rebellion, and tender vulnerability, making Anu both relatable and inspiring.

Chhaya Kadam as Parvaty:

Chhaya delivers a grounded and evocative performance as a woman grappling with displacement and identity, embodying strength and pathos.

Supporting Roles

Azees Nedumangad plays Dr. Manoj, whose gentle kindness touches Prabha; Hridhu Haroon as Shiaz showcases the challenges of forbidden love, while others enrich the textured narrative.

Themes and Analysis

Loneliness and Connection:

The film delves into urban solitude and the silent need for meaningful relationships, showing how connection can be fragile yet vital.

Migration and Displacement:

It addresses the migrant experience vividly—cultural dislocation, economic precarity, and emotional estrangement.

Interfaith and Intercaste Relationships:

Through Anu and Shiaz’s romance, the film foregrounds the contemporary struggles surrounding love that transcends religious boundaries.

Class and Urban Development:

Parvaty’s story highlights social hierarchies and the human cost embedded within rapid urbanization.

Female Intimacy and Solidarity:

At its heart, the film celebrates women’s friendship and the strength found in shared struggles.

Memory and Longing:

Prabha’s quiet yearning and symbolic rice cooker encapsulate themes of absence and hope.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Payal Kapadia’s direction is poetic and patient, using long takes and naturalistic performances to immerse viewers in the characters’ world. The film opens with a beautiful aerial long shot of Mumbai as the city awakens at dawn, setting the contemplative tone.

Cinematography by Kahi Meka captures the contrasting moods of Mumbai—from crowded markets and hospital wards to serene coastal landscapes—highlighting the film’s thematic dualities of chaos and calm.

Music and sound design subtly underscore emotional beats, avoiding melodrama but enhancing intimacy.

Editing is restrained and rhythmic, allowing scenes to breathe and emotions to deepen naturally.

Critical Reception and Impact

All We Imagine As Light has been widely acclaimed for its sensitive and poetic narrative, fresh portrayal of intercultural urban India, and strong performances. It is recognized for its feminist undertones and complex, realistic depiction of contemporary womanhood.

The film was nominated for a BAFTA award and received praise at international film festivals for its universal yet deeply local storytelling.

Critics have especially noted its departure from conventional Indian cinema norms, blending documentary aesthetics with dramatic storytelling.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sunrise sequence capturing Mumbai’s restless energy.

• Prabha’s emotional embrace of the anonymous rice cooker, symbolizing her lost marriage.

• Anu and Shiaz’s secretive yet bold moments of love amid social scrutiny.

• Parvaty and friends’ rebellious act of throwing stones at a billboard advertising urban redevelopment.

• The quiet camaraderie and conversations among the three women.

• Scenes depicting the contrast between bustling city life and peaceful coastal village.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who directed All We Imagine As Light?

Payal Kapadia directed and wrote the film.

Who are the lead actors?

Kani Kusruti as Prabha, Divya Prabha as Anu, and Chhaya Kadam as Parvaty.

What is the film about?

It interweaves the stories of three women facing challenges of urban migration, love, displacement, and identity in Mumbai.

What themes does the film explore?

Loneliness, female friendship, migration, interfaith love, class divides, and urban change.

Is the story based on true events?

The film is fictional but inspired by real-life migrant experiences.

Where was the film shot?

The film captures Mumbai intensively with ancillary scenes in coastal villages.

How was it received?

It garnered critical acclaim and international recognition for its poetic storytelling.

All We Imagine As Light is a luminous, heartfelt film that brings to life the silent struggles and small joys of its protagonists against a vibrant urban backdrop. Through tender performances and exquisite direction, it invites viewers to witness the poetry of everyday resilience and the enduring search for connection.