At the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, India received momentous recognition on the global stage. All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, secured the prestigious Grand Prix. It is the second-highest honour at the festival. This predominantly Malayalam-language film also vied for the coveted Palme d’Or. That makes it the first Indian movie in 30 years to compete for the top prize. Notably, it was also a historic moment for Indian cinema. That is because Kapadia became the first Indian female director to achieve this remarkable feat.
All we imagine as light: An Indian tale of love and sisterhood
All We Imagine As Light offers a poetic yet raw portrayal of Mumbai. It is far from the glamorous versions often depicted on screen. Kapadia’s Mumbai is a city of dense streets teeming with hard-working migrants. These hard-working migrants navigate the city’s chaos in search of meaning, love, and a momentary escape from their challenging realities.
The film centres around two Malayali nurses, Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha). These women work together in the same hospital and share a small, cramped apartment in the bustling city. Prabha’s husband, who moved to Germany soon after their arranged marriage, has been out of contact for over a year. That has left her in a state of uncertainty. Despite the absence of communication, she clings to the hope of his return. She does so even when a local doctor attempts to court her with poetry and gifts.
Meanwhile, Anu rebels silently against her parents. They are keen to arrange her marriage, and they are unaware that she is already in a relationship with Shiaz, a young Muslim man from Kerala.
The plot takes a significant turn when the nurses’ colleague, an elderly widow named Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), is displaced due to slum redevelopment and decides to leave Mumbai. Prabha and Anu accompany her back to her coastal village. That marks a pivotal moment in their intertwined lives.
All We Imagine As Light: Not your typical feminist film
All We Imagine As Light stands out not because it loudly declares its feminist agenda but because it focuses on the often-overlooked struggles of ordinary women. These women face societal pressures, particularly regarding their relationships and personal choices. When a marriage falters or a woman chooses a partner from a different faith, she is often blamed, judged, and scrutinised. Men, by contrast, seldom face such harsh societal judgments.
Kapadia’s film tells a touching story of the bond between three women. It is a rare cinematic portrayal in an industry that frequently pits women against each other. It is not a stereotypical feminist film with over-the-top themes but, instead, one that finds its strength in authenticity. Female friendships are the heart of the narrative, and the movie thrives on its portrayal of women supporting one another. It is far from the hypersexualised representations often found in mainstream cinema.
Ordinary women, extraordinary stories
In All We Imagine As Light, Kapadia brings to life the tender and bittersweet experiences of everyday women. Parvaty’s eviction highlights the stark reality for many in Mumbai, where the poor are displaced to make way for the wealthy. Anu’s journey underscores the paradox of financial independence without emotional freedom, as familial expectations still dictate her choices. Prabha’s isolation within her marriage echoes the quiet loneliness many women endure. It is conditioned by societal norms to be endlessly patient and forgiving.
These stories may seem simple, but they carry the weight of profound societal commentary. The film shows that women’s lives, even when they do not involve overt trauma or violence, are filled with silent struggles. The society must get to see and hear about these struggles. Kapadia challenges the idea that female characters must be part of dramatic or violent narratives to be considered significant. Instead, she offers us a profoundly moving exploration of women’s everyday realities.
All We Imagine As Light: A cinematic shift in female narratives
All We Imagine As Light demonstrates that creating compelling, meaningful female characters does not require adding dramatic twists or sensational storylines. It is about embracing women-centric narratives that reflect the quiet strength and complexities of real life. Kapadia’s film advocates for more stories where women are the central focus, not because they are victims or heroes, but because their lives and experiences are intrinsically valuable.
As these three nurses navigate life’s challenges, their ordinary stories become extraordinary. These stories resonate with many women worldwide who live under similar societal expectations. The film subtly yet powerfully illustrates the contrasting realities men and women face in relationships, careers, and personal choices.
The final thoughts
The beauty of All We Imagine As Light lies in its unfiltered portrayal of women’s daily struggles, where the extraordinary is found in their quiet resilience. Through the lives of Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty, we see a reflection of the countless women whose stories often go untold. These are not tales of loud heroism but of subtle courage that demands recognition.
At Changeincontent.com, we advocate for shifting the narrative—one that moves beyond tokenism and stereotypical portrayals of women to one that truly captures their complexities and challenges. Real change in content means telling these nuanced stories, where societal expectations do not define women’s experiences but by their own voices, their own realities. It is time for content that embraces this depth, and All We Imagine As Light is a step in that direction.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
