A Resplendent Portrait of Womanhood in ‘All We Imagine As Light’

Amid the vibrant chaos, relentless traffic, and humidity of the bustling city of Mumbai, three compelling women form the heart of Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light. This film, which marks the first fiction feature from the Mumbai-based director known for A Night of Knowing Nothing, serves as both a tribute to contemporary womanhood and a love letter to the dynamic city itself. Through the lens of these characters, the film encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of modern femininity set against the backdrop of urban life.

Featuring exquisite, vulnerable, and dynamic performances from Kani Kusruti (Girls Will Be Girls), Divya Prabha (Ariyippu), and Chhaya Kadam (Sister Midnight), this Cannes Grand Prix-winning film delves into the diverse experiences of women navigating life in India’s most populous city. Here, women are not merely existing; they are bravely challenging societal norms. With a pulsating, synth-infused score by Dhritiman Das and stunning cinematography by his brother Ranabir, the film portrays this energetic metropolis as a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and transforming.

Discover the Meaning Behind All We Imagine As Light

Exploring the intertwined lives of three women working in a multi-specialty hospital in Mumbai, the film provides a nuanced and layered portrayal of both its characters and the city itself. The narrative reveals how their personal struggles reflect the broader social dynamics of urban life. Prabha (played by Kusruti), a senior nurse, grapples with guilt over her feelings for a colleague, all while hiding the emotional turmoil stemming from her long-distance marriage. Her younger roommate, Anu (Prabha), is involved in a secret romance with Shiaz (Crash Course‘s Hridhu Haroon), which they conceal due to societal and religious pressures. Meanwhile, Parvaty (Kadam), the oldest among them, faces imminent eviction as wealthy developers encroach upon her home, leaving her without any official proof of residence.

As their lives take unexpected turns, the three women journey to Parvaty’s hometown, a coastal village in Ratnagiri. This excursion offers them a refreshing change of scenery, new insights, and the chance to unlock their repressed passions, desires, and buried memories. The trip serves as a pivotal moment in their narrative, allowing them to contemplate their lives and relationships in a different light.

Experience the Stellar Performances of the Three Leads in All We Imagine As Light

Divya Prabha as Anu.
Credit: BFI

Representing diverse facets of womanhood within the vibrant city of Mumbai, the three lead characters in All We Imagine As Light embody the film’s emotional core. Despite their connection, each character experiences profound isolation, with some finding refuge in the anonymity that a sprawling metropolis offers (as seen in Anu’s clandestine affair), while others are suffocated by it, exemplified by Parvaty’s looming eviction. Together, these leads breathe life into Kapadia’s beautifully crafted script, filled with poignant, cinematic moments that reflect the struggles and experiences of everyday life.

As the composed and resilient Prabha, Girls Will Be Girls star Kusruti effectively conveys a sense of internalized heartbreak and pent-up frustration while navigating a marriage devoid of communication with her husband living abroad. Prabha is a caretaker, often prioritizing the needs of those around her—financially and emotionally—while neglecting her own aspirations. Kusruti infuses her portrayal with deep longing and an undercurrent of loneliness that resonates throughout the film.

Kani Kusruti as Prabha.
Credit: BFI

The youngest among the trio, Ariyippu actor Prabha, injects a vibrant, naive, and passionate energy into her role as Anu. Forced to conceal her romantic relationship, she grapples with feelings of frustration stemming from her limited agency, driven by heightened emotions that often clash with her roommate’s ingrained patriarchal values. The tension between societal expectations and personal desires becomes a significant hurdle for both Anu and Prabha, as they navigate the complexities of love, obedience, and empowerment throughout the film.

As the eldest character, Parvaty faces formidable challenges as her home becomes a target for the city’s affluent developers. She embodies Kapadia’s exploration of Mumbai’s transient nature. Kadam’s portrayal is marked by a thoughtful, candid, and precise approach. While Parvaty’s financial independence dwindles in Mumbai, it flourishes in her hometown—a stark contrast that intensifies the internal struggles of all three women. The setting in this film transcends mere backdrop; it plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ identities and journeys.

Unveiling the City of Mumbai as a Central Character in All We Imagine As Light

Divya Prabha as Anu and Hridhu Haroon as Shiaz.
Credit: BFI

The vibrant and bustling metropolis of Mumbai, home to over 21 million residents, takes on a life of its own in All We Imagine As Light, emerging as a character just as significant as its human protagonists. Shot against the backdrop of Lower Parel and Dadar neighborhoods, this “city of lights” also reveals itself to be a “city of illusions.” Within its streets, one encounters a blend of hope and despair, isolation and spontaneity, nightlife and labor, as wealth disparities manifest in the struggles of the working class, vividly captured through Parvaty’s poignant observation: “You could just vanish into thin air and no one would know.”

With Dhritiman Das’ mesmerizing, minimalist electronic score complementing intimate cinematography by Ranabir Das, the city pulsates throughout the film’s opening acts. The constant sounds of trains, construction, and honking traffic create an immersive atmosphere, as director Kapadia artfully juxtaposes the city’s noisy exterior with the quiet, reflective moments of the characters. Within this bustling urban landscape, Kapadia skillfully uncovers poignant, human experiences, allowing both protagonists and supporting characters to share their unique narratives. The film occasionally adopts a documentary-like quality, revealing the myriad of stories that every resident carries, illustrating their journeys of resilience, forgetfulness, and new beginnings.

Credit: BFI

Each personal narrative is accompanied by sweeping shots of the city, showcasing shop owners, apartment residents, and football players at night, while emphasizing the intimate connections formed during public transport rides. DOP Das’ long takes along Mumbai’s vibrant streets immerse viewers in the bustling environment, capturing essential life conversations that unfold during commutes. With deft editing by Clément Pinteaux (So Long Sadness), the film presents Mumbai as a landscape of transience, a city perpetually in motion. Notably, Kapadia sets the story against the monsoon backdrop, visually infusing the narrative with a sense of humidity, discomfort, and romantic allure; many scenes featuring torrential rain become breathtaking moments of catharsis.

This meticulous attention to the vibrant life in Mumbai enhances the film’s transition to the serene beach village in Ratnagiri, where Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty discover individual moments of peace, empowerment, and fulfillment unattainable in the city’s chaos. The concluding act allows the trio to reclaim their identities beyond the anonymity of urban life, revealing alternative possibilities that lie beyond the towering skyscrapers.

By the film’s end, the women develop a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences, broadening their appreciation for one another as women while enriching our comprehension of their struggles. All We Imagine As Light is a boldly intimate film that feels almost documentary-like in its authenticity, showcasing some of the most striking performances of the year.

All We Imagine As Light is currently screening in select U.S. cinemas and will be released in UK and Irish theaters on November 29.