A feature film set in Mumbai has stunned audiences and critics alike, earning a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Described as “lyrical,” “quietly resonant,” and “beautiful,” the movie has emerged as a surprise contender in this year’s awards season. It weaves the stories of three working-class women navigating life in India’s bustling metropolis, tackling issues that resonate universally while shining a light on socio-political challenges in contemporary India.
The narrative follows nurse Prahba (Kani Kusruti), who grapples with her estranged husband’s new life in Germany; her roommate Anu (Divya Prabha), forced to conceal her relationship with a Muslim man; and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), who faces wrongful eviction from her home. These intertwined journeys form a compelling tale of resilience, solidarity, and defiance in the face of systemic challenges.
Director Payal’s vision for the film extends beyond storytelling, aiming to spark meaningful dialogue. “I wanted to propose utopian togetherness in a world where we are so divided and things are just so complicated and unnecessary,” she explained in an interview following her groundbreaking Golden Globe nomination.
One of the film’s central themes is female friendship, an intentional focus for Payal. “One thing that keeps coming up in interviews is, ‘Why did you want to make a film about female friendship?’ which is a bit weird for me,” she noted. “Men have been making films about themselves being friends forever, and now that women are making more films, it happens to be about friendship. It’s not a whole new thing—somebody just passed the mic.”
The film also bravely addresses interfaith relationships, a sensitive topic in India. Couples from different religious backgrounds, particularly Hindu-Muslim pairings, often face societal scrutiny and political interference. The “love jihad” conspiracy theory, perpetuated by right-wing groups, claims Muslim men are attempting to convert Hindu women, leading to legislative actions and public outcries. Payal handled this subject with caution, aware of the potential backlash.
“We are in 2025. Why do young people need to choose between the people they love [like family] and the person they want to be with? It’s an age-old issue in our country, and it’s not just about religion but caste too,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Payal was determined to tell an authentic story. However, she admitted feeling nervous about the film’s reception. “These days people are very touchy, so anything you put in a film makes one nervous about what people will say in India. People get upset about all kinds of things. Of course, I was nervous, but once the censor passed it, I felt a bit better. But you never know. [The movie] is starting to grow bigger as it gets more acclaim, so it might be time to think about this [issue] more.”
Through its growing international acclaim, the film is redefining perceptions of India and its culture. “What is wonderful about our country is that it has diversity of thought, language, and culture—there is no such thing as ‘this is Indian,’” Payal remarked.
The struggles faced by the film’s protagonists, though rooted in India, reflect universal themes of gender inequality and societal pressures. “We are living in 2025, and there are still very few female filmmakers who get selected at big film festivals. So [All We Imagine As Light] is about the zeitgeist in India that affects women,” Payal explained.
Despite its critical success, All We Imagine As Light was not chosen as India’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars, with Kiran Rao’s Laapta Ladies taking the spot. Nevertheless, Payal’s Golden Globe nomination has brought her immense pride and gratitude. “I’m really, really overwhelmed. I’m really grateful that people are seeing this film and finding something that resonates with them,” she said.
She remains grounded, attributing the film’s recognition to a broader shift in the industry. “The world is now recognising that there has been a disservice to underrepresented people. The tide is changing and taking me with it. This is only the beginning—a big change is coming for representation in all forms: gender, religion, sexuality, and more. Diversity can only lead to good things.”
With the Oscars on the horizon, Payal remains hopeful about securing a nomination for Best Director. “If it happens, I would be very grateful because it’s a huge deal. I watched [the ceremony] as a child on TV. But you just have to take everything one step at a time, that’s how we made this film,” she said.
Ultimately, Payal’s film underscores the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, foster understanding, and challenge societal norms. As its acclaim grows, it promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, celebrating diversity and advocating for change in a world that desperately needs it.