All We Imagine As Light, the Cannes Grand Prix-winning film by Payal Kapadia, hits theatres tomorrow, November 22. This evocative and deeply emotional story unfolds in Mumbai, capturing the city’s pulse and its people’s struggles with identity, loneliness, and belonging. The film goes beyond the lens of capitalism, delving into the universal yearning for connection with people, places, and family.
At its heart, the narrative focuses on three women—Prabha (Kani Kusruti), Anu (Divya Prabha), and Parvathy (Chhaya Kadam)—all nurses working in a Mumbai hospital. Each character navigates her own challenges and aspirations within the bustling urban landscape. Prabha and Anu, immigrants from Kerala, embody contrasting personalities. Prabha, the upright and reserved figure, silently battles loneliness, while Anu, rebellious and free-spirited, hides a secret love affair with Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon). Meanwhile, Parvathy, a native of Maharashtra, struggles to preserve her home in the face of rising pressures. The trio’s lives intersect in unexpected ways, culminating in a transformative trip to Parvathy’s village in Ratnagiri, where an unforeseen bond emerges.
The film opens with a vivid ode to Mumbai, portraying its vibrant, multilingual essence through languages like Hindi, Malayalam, Bihari, and Marathi. Mumbai becomes more than a setting; it is a character that ebbs and flows with the protagonists’ emotions, serving as both a backdrop and a reflection of their internal conflicts.
Kapadia’s storytelling is steeped in emotion, painting a nuanced portrait of loneliness, cultural displacement, and the resilience of human connections. The cinematography, primarily shot in the evenings, accentuates the intimacy of the narrative, drawing viewers into the characters’ lives and their immigrant experience in the sprawling city. Kapadia masterfully depicts the paradox of belonging and alienation that defines the migrant journey.
The film is carried by the stellar performances of its lead cast. Kani Kusruti delivers a standout portrayal of Prabha, capturing her restrained emotions and unspoken desires with subtlety. Divya Prabha’s Anu is equally compelling, as she balances a carefree exterior with moments of vulnerability. Chhaya Kadam, as Parvathy, delivers a poignant performance, bringing strength and heartbreak to her role as a woman determined to protect her home. Together, their chemistry underscores the film’s exploration of resilience, shared struggles, and unexpected friendships.
One of the film’s most memorable scenes features Prabha holding a rice cooker—a seemingly simple yet profoundly symbolic act. The gesture reflects her longing for family and familiarity, encapsulating the film’s central themes of loneliness and connection.
Kapadia’s direction shines in her ability to let silence speak volumes. Her minimalist approach creates moments of stillness that resonate deeply, inviting viewers to feel the weight of the characters’ internal struggles. The film also presents a fresh perspective on female friendships, steering away from dramatics to depict bonds that offer quiet comfort, like a warm embrace after a long day.
All We Imagine As Light is more than a story of three women; it is a meditation on the power of unexpected connections and their ability to heal and transform lives. The film reminds us that even in the face of isolation and societal challenges, human resilience and shared experiences can light the way forward.
As the film’s title suggests, all we imagine is light—a powerful reflection on the human condition. Through its poignant narrative, All We Imagine As Light leaves an indelible impression, resonating with audiences long after the credits roll.
