Payal Kapadia, the director of *All We Imagine As Light*, a film that recently won the prestigious Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival, has been honored in the TIME100 Next 2024 list. This list recognizes influential personalities across various fields, celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society. Kapadia’s inclusion is a momentous achievement for both her and Indian cinema. Earlier in May, her film made headlines as the first Indian film in 30 years to be selected for competition at Cannes, marking a major milestone.
Actor and singer Ayushmann Khurrana contributed a tribute to Kapadia for TIME magazine, praising her artistic talent and ability to convey profound human emotions. In his note, Khurrana described Kapadia as an innovator in the world of cinema. “Payal Kapadia is nothing short of a trailblazer. Her 2024 film, *All We Imagine as Light*, made history this year as the first from India to win Cannes’ Grand Prix,” Khurrana wrote. He emphasized the emotional depth of her work, calling the film a “masterclass of emotions—deeply reflective, philosophical, and meditative in its approach.”
Khurrana’s admiration for Kapadia extended beyond her technical skill as a filmmaker. He praised her ability to portray the human experience with authenticity, capturing the essence of complex emotions and relationships in a way that few filmmakers can. Khurrana remarked that Kapadia’s unique perspective gives her work a sense of rarity and importance in today’s cinematic landscape. He also underscored the significance of Kapadia’s success at Cannes, not only for her but for Indian cinema as a whole. “I’m proud to be living in an era where I could witness a talent like Payal showing the world that Indian stories resonate universally, transcending geographies and languages,” he said.
Khurrana’s admiration for Kapadia’s achievements is evident in his belief that her success will inspire a new generation of filmmakers and artists to think ambitiously and boldly. He expressed his hope that her work will encourage others to tell their stories and push the boundaries of creativity. “India is a young country of more than 1.4 billion people. We have 1.4 billion stories to tell, and Payal has boldly, loudly, and brilliantly encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams. It would be an honor to work with her and engage with her mind,” Khurrana added.
Kapadia’s recognition in the TIME100 Next list follows a year of groundbreaking success. All We Imagine As Light, the film that brought her international acclaim, tells the poignant story of two nurses from Kerala, Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti) and Anu (played by Divya Prabha), who live together in Mumbai. The film explores themes of companionship, isolation, and the challenges of urban life, all while capturing the complexity of their personal and professional struggles. The narrative is both intimate and universal, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a deeply emotional level.
All We Imagine As Light is not just a film about two individuals; it is a broader commentary on the human condition, addressing issues of identity, displacement, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The film’s emotional and philosophical depth, combined with Kapadia’s meditative directorial style, has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. It has been hailed as a film that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, resonating with viewers around the world.
The film is also significant as an official Indo-French co-production, bringing together talent and resources from both countries. It was created by Chalk and Cheese Films, an Indian production company, and Petit Chaos, a French production house. This collaboration highlights the increasing globalization of cinema and the importance of cross-cultural storytelling. Kapadia’s work has been lauded for its ability to bridge cultural divides and showcase the universal nature of human experiences.
Kapadia’s success at Cannes has been seen as a major breakthrough for Indian cinema, which has often struggled to gain recognition on the international stage. While Indian films have a long and rich history, they have rarely been represented in major international film competitions like Cannes. Kapadia’s win is a testament to her talent as a filmmaker and the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the world stage. Her achievement is also significant in that it opens the door for other Indian filmmakers to aspire to similar heights.
Ayushmann Khurrana, who wrote the TIME tribute for Kapadia, is no stranger to international recognition himself. In 2023, he was the only Indian to be honored with the TIME100 Impact Award, a recognition of his contributions to cinema and his influence as an artist. Khurrana has long been an advocate for socially conscious cinema, using his platform to address important issues through his films. His tribute to Kapadia reflects his deep respect for her work and his belief in the power of cinema to effect change.
Khurrana’s note for TIME also highlighted the broader significance of Kapadia’s success for Indian artists and filmmakers. He believes that her achievements will inspire a new generation of storytellers to pursue their dreams and challenge conventional narratives. Kapadia’s work, he noted, is a reminder that Indian stories have the power to resonate with audiences globally, regardless of language or cultural barriers.
The recognition of Payal Kapadia in the TIME100 Next 2024 list marks an important moment not only for her as an individual filmmaker but also for Indian cinema as a whole. Her work has proven that Indian stories can reach a global audience and that there is a demand for diverse, authentic narratives that explore the complexities of the human experience. With her trailblazing success, Kapadia has set a new standard for Indian filmmakers and opened the door for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
As Khurrana aptly put it, “We have 1.4 billion stories to tell,” and Kapadia has shown that these stories can transcend borders, connecting with audiences around the world. Her inclusion in the TIME100 Next list is a well-deserved recognition of her talent, creativity, and impact on the world of cinema. Through her work, she has not only made history but also inspired countless others to dream big and pursue their passions.