Mumbai is often considered the “city of dreams” because it promises opportunity and success. Whenever something happens, the media always talks about the “Spirit of Mumbai” and how the city continues to function despite facing a lot of challenges. In Payal Kapadia’s “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT,” viewers are taken on an extraordinary journey about three migrant women navigating lives through a city steeped in mystery. What viewers witness next is a breathtaking tale of the thin line between dreams and reality, weaving a story that is as haunting as it is beautiful.
The movie begins with an introduction to our main characters: Prabha ( played by Kani Kusruti), and Anu (played by Divya Prabha). Prabha works as a nurse in a suburban Mumbai hospital and is estranged from her husband who lives in Germany. She lives with Anu, a younger co-worker, who is dating a Muslim boy named Shiraz (played by Hridhu Haroon). After spending most of their day in the hospital, the duo take some time off from their busy schedules to travel the city and spend some quality time with each other. Additionally, we get introduced to a woman named Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), who works as a canteen worker at the same hospital. At its heart, “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” is a meditation on the inner struggles of its protagonists, revealing their vulnerabilities, desires, and fears.
Divya Prabha and Hridhu Haroon in a still from ‘All We Imagined As Light’ (Photo Credit: Spirit Media)
One of the finest and boldest aspects of the movie is how it dives into the complexities of the human psyche, presenting a storyline that is both profound and self-examining. Although the non-linear narrative follows its protagonists navigating their personal lives and collective traumas, Kapadia doesn’t shy away from creating a world where reality blurs into fantasy. There are times when we tend to think about things that we can’t have and make scenarios in our head about how would we react if those desires were suddenly fulfilled. This is what the film is mostly about and deeply resonates with the people. Meanwhile, the depth of the storyline is enhanced by its universal themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery. The director does a magnificent job of crafting a compelling storyline for each of the film’s main characters. It not only allows viewers to get deeper into the lives of these characters, but it also provides them the opportunity to connect with them on a more personal level. Moreover, the decision to make the film shift between past and present gives it a dream-like quality that stays with audiences long after it ends.
The screenplay is another aspect that takes the movie to a whole new level. There are only a handful of Indian movies that feature a narrative that is both poetic and realistic. Payal Kapadia’s “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” is one of them and seamlessly blends elements of magical realism with human experiences that are grounded. Even though the dialogue is minimal, the impact they have on the audience is immense and enough to make them understand its significance. The film’s writing is a perfect example of “actions speak louder than words” and Kapadia should be lauded for this kind of approach. Her screenplay is loaded with metaphors and layers that reveal themselves in the end, making it a gratifying experience for viewers who like watching a film that is both intellectual and emotional.
Apart from writing and direction, the film excels in how it shows Mumbai and its landscapes. The cinematography is breathtaking and each frame feels like a painting. It helps in enhancing the movie’s viewing experience and also deepens its emotional resonance.
Kani Kusruti in a still from ‘ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT’ (Photo Credit: Spirit Media)
In addition to these elements, the performances by the cast of “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” are why this film feels like such a deeply emotional experience. Kani Kusruti as Prabha is mesmerizing in this movie and delivers one of the finest performances of the year. She doesn’t leave any stone unturned to show viewers what Prabha feels like in a situation and even though when a scene demands her to be stone-faced, viewers realize how she is feeling. Kusruti is a force to be reckoned with and deserves all the praise she is receiving for her impeccable skills.
Meanwhile, Divya Prabha adds another layer to the film with her stupendous performance. Her performance is nuanced and spontaneous. Her spontaneity is truly magnificent and makes her character look more relatable. The chemistry between Kasunti and Prabha is a highlight of the film and amplifies the film’s overall impact. On the other hand, Chhaya Kadam continues her golden run with this film. She took India by storm with an impeccable performance in “Laapata Ladies,” and delivered another wonderful performance in this film.
All in all, “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” is a rare Indian film that can be compared with titles that become big in the realm of world cinema. Payal Kapadia masterfully captures universal emotions while maintaining a vision both unique and personal. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the human condition in all its intricacies. The film is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memories and emotions. The narrative unfolds like a collection of fragmented memories, evoking a powerful sense of longing. It’s a testament to Kapadia’s vision and her ability to craft cinematic experiences that resonate on an emotional and philosophical level.
All We Imagine as Light premiered as the opening film of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, which began on October 18, 2024.
