The cinematic masterpiece “All We Imagine As Light,” directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia, is set to captivate Indian audiences with its November release. This comes after the film’s illustrious journey at international platforms, most notably clinching the Grand Prix award at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival. It will commence its Indian run at the renowned MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, serving as the opening film of this year’s significant edition.
The movie, an intriguing blend of Malayalam and Hindi, initially graced select theaters in Kerala on September 21, under the auspices of Spirit Media, the production house helmed by Rana Daggubati. In an exciting development, “All We Imagine As Light” saw its French theatrical debut on October 2, an official India-France co-production orchestrated by Chalk and Cheese Films and Another Birth from India, alongside petit chaos from France.
Kapadia, who etched her name in history as the first Indian filmmaker to seize the Grand Prix at Cannes in May, eagerly anticipates the movie’s reception nationwide. Expressing her enthusiasm, Kapadia stated, “I am so excited for the India release this November! I hope that many people go to watch it. It is such a wonderful feeling for any filmmaker.”
Starring celebrated actresses Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha in pivotal roles, “All We Imagine As Light” weaves the poignant story of two Kerala nurses, Prabha and Anu, cohabiting in bustling Mumbai. In its original Malayalam release, the film is aptly titled “Prabhayay Ninachathellam.”
Rana Daggubati, expressing his excitement over the film’s journey, commented, “Our partnership with this incredible film is a step forward in our efforts to bring compelling and moving stories from different parts of the country to audiences everywhere.” His production house, Spirit Media, holds the exclusive distribution rights for the film across India and aims to engage a larger audience starting this November with its premiere at MAMI.
.
The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 is set to commence on October 18, with “All We Imagine As Light” heralding the festival’s inauguration. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, interim festival director, expressed his delight that the film harmonizes with the festival’s vision of showcasing independent cinema that pushes boundaries. Dungarpur noted, “‘All We Imagine as Light’ will always be remembered as a film that won the Grand Prix at Cannes, but it is also an independent film that faced many challenges, especially in finding funding, before it debuted in competition at Cannes and won accolades all over the world.”
The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, which continues until October 24, will feature an impressive lineup of over 110 films in more than 50 languages, encompassing a wide array of genres in both feature and non-feature formats.
As the festival prepares to dazzle audiences with its eclectic assortment of cinematic expressions, Kapadia reflected on her association with MAMI, stating with great reverence how it introduced her to world cinema during her student years in Mumbai. She warmly shared, “When I was a student in Mumbai, I got a glimpse into world cinema and cinema from other parts of the country because of MAMI. I am happy that people in Mumbai would be able to see the film here first.”
“All We Imagine As Light” also features actor Chhaya Kadam, and holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Indian film in three decades to vie in the main competition at Cannes.
As the film embarks on its Indian journey, the anticipation surrounding its release is palpable. The narrative’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences, alongside its rich cultural tapestry, promises to establish “All We Imagine As Light” as a touchstone of contemporary Indian cinema. An invitation to introspection and connection, Kapadia’s film rings in a new era for films that transcend borders, both geographical and emotional, reflecting the undying light of cinema’s imagination.
