Set in the frantic core of Mumbai, the city of dreams, where aspirations and reality infrequently walk hand in hand comes a movie that encapsulates each thread of the urban fabric and the weaved interconnections of life. In All We Imagine as Light, which Payal Kapadia directed, follows the intertwining lives of three women in a city of continuous motion.
A Glimpse into the Narrative of All We Imagine as Light
We meet Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty — three women bound by the walls of a Mumbai hospital. A devoted nurse grappling with the emotional toll of an arranged marriage tinged by her husband’s absence, Prabha Her relatively young colleague Anu cannot help herself and must begin a secret affair with Shiraz, a Muslim man, which challenges social norms and family expectations. Parvaty, the hospital cook faces the double stigma of impending eviction as well as her widowhood, which we will learn of gradually throughout the story. Combined, their narratives create a rich painting of struggle, hope, and an identity search in a metropolis filled with contradictions.
Cinematic Flare and Directorial Vision
Kapadia’s direction is nothing less than masterful. Inspired by the poetic potential of the quotidian, she produces a story that is dreamlike yet firmly rooted in reality. Balancing between the rich tones of Bombay’s popular streets and subdued ones of inwardness, its visual palette is mesmerizing. The lyrical camerawork and gorgeous imagery capture the soul of a city that is as much a character as the protagonists themselves. The film is described by The Guardian as “dreamlike and gentle,” and presents a contemporary Mumbai story that can translate for residents of all ages.
theguardian.com
Themes Explored in All We Imagine as Light
At its heart, All We Imagine as Light is a meditation on identity, belonging, and the human condition. The plot explores layers of society that constrict the lives of the film’s protagonists, like barring doors that are attempted to be opened through the relationships of class, religion, and gender. Anu’s forbidden affair with Shiraz reflects the religious divides that run deep in modern India, and Prabha’s troubled marriage brings to the fore the weight of tradition. Parvaty’s struggle against displacement is an indictment of the sweeping nature of urban development and how it straightens out vulnerable communities. The operating rooms and alleyways of a hidden metropolis come together through an implied intimacy that allows viewers to consider their understandings and expectations.
Critical reception and accolades
Even since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was greeted with an eight-minute ovation, “All We Imagine as Light” has received near-uniform critical praise. The film’s complex depiction of life in the city, in addition to its depth examination of personal relationships, has struck a chord with viewers around the world. The New Yorker calls it a “gorgeous Mumbai rhapsody,” one rich with atmospheric detail and deep character studies.
newyorker.com
Its recognition at Cannes, which awarded it the Grand Prix, is an inning for Indian cinema on the international platform.
time.com
Personal Reflections on All We Imagine as Light
It was transformative to watch All We Imagine as Light. Its portrayal of Mumbai resounded strongly: the chaos and tranquillity mirrored in the city. The battle of the characters felt real in a quiet, all too familiar way. Cultural, and geographical difference is no barrier here, and Kapadia opens up his world to the viewers with a story almost all would resonate with. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a testament to the eternal search for connection and understanding.”
Conclusion
Everything We Imagine as Light is a testament to the power of cinema to shed light on the complexities of human relationships and systems of power. With its impactful storytelling and breathtaking visuals, the film encourages audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and compassion. It’s a cinematic experience that sticks long after the credits end and invites you to reflect on the many ways in which our lives interconnect and affect one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the crux for you of All We Imagine as Light?
First-time feature filmmaker Neda M. Alabaster, with her talented cast and international Urdu/mainstream cinema credits, examines issues of identity, community, and the human experience via the lives of three women in Mumbai struggling against their society with its often oppressive constructs of class, religion, and gender.
Who directed the film?
Everything We Imagine as Light was directed by Payal Kapadia, whose filmmaking is poetic and contemplative.
What awards has the film won?
(The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation and won the Grand Prix.) It has drawn widespread praise from critics around the world for its subtle storytelling and cinematic mastery.
How is the film’s representation of Mumbai different?
Kapadia captures Mumbai by mixing realism with a dreamlike quality not far from the vibrancy of the city and the personal lives of its inhabitants — giving the audience a different take on urban living.
Is the film available to stream?
Currently, All We Imagine as Light has been released theatrically in some countries. (Netflix will be carrying the show in foreign territories but please note that availability on streaming platforms varies depending on the regional distribution rights.)
How many languages is it available in?
While the movie’s dominant language is Hindi, some dialogues are in regional languages based on the characters. There are subtitled versions in various languages for international viewers.
What socioeconomic and social issues does the film grapple with?
The story explores struggles only a few people would recognize — religious friction, age-old marriage expectations, urban disruption — inviting viewers to grapple with these real-world problems.
Are there any memorable performances in the movie?
The film embarks on the telling journey of manipulation as it explores the intense experiences of entrapment, and it never shies from showing the viewers what true manipulation is beautiful — and the ensemble cast thaw the documentary experience, hardened by their expectations for just a film.
Why did Payal Kapadia want to make this film?
Kapadia was inspired by the poetic potential of our everyday lives, seeking to reflect the nuanced realities of people frequently ignored in popular narratives.
