In the bustling heart of Mumbai, amidst the relentless traffic, the humid air, and the vibrant chaos that defines the city, All We Imagine As Light invites us into the lives of three complex women. Directed and written by Payal Kapadia—who gained critical acclaim for her work on A Night of Knowing Nothing—this marks her debut in the world of fiction features. The film isn’t just a tribute to modern womanhood; it also pays homage to the ever-evolving, energetic city of Mumbai, blending intimate personal struggles with the sprawling urban landscape.
At the core of this powerful narrative are three distinct, yet deeply connected women, each of whom is navigating a different chapter of her life in the face of overwhelming societal pressures. Their stories, brimming with vulnerability and raw emotion, showcase the many facets of living as a woman in Mumbai, where resilience and hope flicker in the midst of overwhelming odds. With stellar performances from Kani Kusruti (Girls Will Be Girls), Divya Prabha (Ariyippu), and Chhaya Kadam (Sister Midnight), the film presents a poignant exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a city that is as much a character as the women themselves.
The Characters: Three Women, Three Journeys
The film follows Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty—three women who work together in a multi-specialty hospital in Mumbai. Each of their lives is intricately woven into the fabric of the city, and the film captures their individual struggles and triumphs with stunning clarity.
Prabha, portrayed by Kusruti, is a senior nurse battling guilt and emotional turmoil. Her marriage, strained by distance and communication breakdowns, leaves her feeling isolated. She carries the weight of supporting others financially and emotionally, pushing her own desires to the backburner. Kusruti’s portrayal of Prabha is one of internalized heartbreak, her every expression conveying the longing and quiet loneliness that define her existence. Despite being surrounded by people, Prabha's emotional isolation is palpable, making her one of the most compelling characters in the film.
Anu, played by Prabha, is the youngest of the trio. Her character is filled with a vibrant energy, yet she faces her own set of struggles. In a secret relationship with Shiaz (played by Hridhu Haroon from Crash Course), Anu is forced to keep her love hidden due to societal and religious restrictions. This relationship brings a simmering tension to Anu’s life, as she grapples with the limitations placed on her, all while trying to navigate her personal desires and the weight of patriarchal expectations. Prabha’s performance as Anu captures the intense passion and naivety of youth, as well as the frustration of being caught in a system that denies her agency.
Then there’s Parvaty, portrayed by Kadam, the eldest of the three women. Parvaty is facing the painful reality of being evicted from her home by wealthy developers, a stark representation of Mumbai's ever-growing divide between the rich and the poor. Her home, which holds decades of memories, is at risk of being swallowed up by the city’s relentless expansion. As the city devours affordable housing and uproots families, Parvaty finds herself in a fight not just for her physical home, but for her identity as well. Her struggle embodies the impermanence that defines life in Mumbai, where everything, from relationships to neighborhoods, seems transient. Kadam’s portrayal of Parvaty is grounded and deeply empathetic, capturing the character’s quiet strength and resilience.
Mumbai as a Living, Breathing Entity
In All We Imagine As Light, Mumbai is not merely a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing entity, a character in its own right. With over 21 million people, the city is a pulsating hub of life, energy, and contradictions. It is both a place of dreams and a harsh reality check for many of its residents. The film captures this tension beautifully, presenting Mumbai as a city of both hope and disillusionment. It’s a place where anonymity allows some to flourish, while it crushes others under its weight.
Filmed in the vibrant neighborhoods of Lower Parel and Dadar, the cinematography by Ranabir Das is exquisite, capturing the city’s energy through long shots that immerse the viewer in the pulse of the streets. The film’s minimal electronic score, composed by Dhritiman Das, adds another layer to the narrative, blending seamlessly with the sounds of the city—trains rumbling, construction noise, the constant hum of traffic. These sounds become a kind of rhythm, underscoring the characters’ inner turmoil and moments of reflection.
The city’s omnipresent noise contrasts sharply with the intimate, quiet moments that Kapadia weaves throughout the film. The hum of the city provides a backdrop for private conversations, where the characters confront their innermost desires, fears, and secrets. It’s a powerful juxtaposition, emphasizing how even in a city teeming with life, individuals can feel isolated, lost, and invisible.
A Journey to Ratnagiri: Seeking Relief
As the film progresses, the story shifts to the coastal village of Ratnagiri, a serene escape from the chaos of Mumbai. It’s here that the three women—Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty—find a moment of peace and clarity, away from the oppressive weight of the city. This shift is not just physical; it’s symbolic. The monsoon rains, the dampness in the air, and the quiet of the village provide a contrast to the heat, dust, and noise of Mumbai. The village becomes a place where the women can reconnect with themselves, unlock their desires, and embrace new possibilities.
For each of the women, Ratnagiri represents an opportunity for reinvention. Prabha begins to confront her emotional baggage, Anu explores her desires more freely, and Parvaty finds a sense of peace that had eluded her in the city. The shift to the village is a moment of emotional release, as the characters reclaim their autonomy and begin to see their lives in a new light. It’s a beautiful and cathartic moment, one that resonates deeply with the film’s themes of self-discovery and liberation.
The Power of Connection
At its core, All We Imagine As Light is about the power of human connection, both to each other and to the spaces they inhabit. Through their interactions, the three women develop a deeper understanding of one another, moving beyond the roles they have been assigned by society. They learn to see each other not just as roommates or coworkers, but as women navigating the same world, each with their own dreams, struggles, and desires.
The film’s third act, where the women reconnect with their roots in Ratnagiri, is a celebration of this bond. It’s a moment of healing and empowerment, where the characters find a sense of peace that had eluded them in the city. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of community, belonging, and the freedom that comes from letting go of societal expectations.
Final Thoughts: A Bold and Intimate Film
All We Imagine As Light is a remarkable film that offers a nuanced, heartfelt exploration of womanhood, identity, and the complexities of living in a city like Mumbai. With its beautiful performances, stunning cinematography, and evocative score, the film invites viewers into the lives of its characters in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s a story about the search for self in a world that often tries to erase individuality, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s voice and identity.
As the film ends, the three women come into their own, seeing beyond the noise of the city and into the possibilities that lie ahead. All We Imagine As Light is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with a sense of hope, renewal, and the quiet power of human connection.
The film is now showing in select U.S. cinemas, with releases in the UK and Ireland set for November 29. Don't miss this cinematic journey that captures the heart of Mumbai and the complexity of modern womanhood.
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