Mumbai is often considered the ‘city of dreams’ as it promises opportunities and success. Whenever something happens, the media always talks about the ‘spirit of Mumbai’ and how the city continues to function in the face of many challenges. Payal Kapadia’sEverything we imagine as light” takes viewers on the extraordinary journey of three immigrant women through a city full of mystery. What viewers witness next is a breathtaking tale of the fine line between dreams and reality, weaving a story that is both beautiful and unforgettable.
The film begins with the introduction of the main characters Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti) and Anu (played by Divya Prabha). Prabha works as a nurse at a hospital on the outskirts of Mumbai and is estranged from her husband, who lives in Germany. She lives with her younger colleague Anu, who is dating a Muslim boy named Shiraz (played by Hridu Haroun). After spending most of the day in the hospital, the two take a day off from their busy schedules to travel around the city and spend quality time with each other. Furthermore, we are introduced to a woman named Parvati (Chaya Kadam) who works as a cafeteria employee at the same hospital. At its core, ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT is a meditation on the inner conflicts of its protagonists, revealing their weaknesses, desires, and fears.
Divya Prabha and Hridu Haroon in a still from “All We Imagined As Light” (Photo Credit: Spirit Media)
One of the most brilliant and daring aspects of this film is how it cuts into the complexities of human psychology and presents a profound and self-examining storyline. This non-linear story sees the protagonists navigate personal and collective traumas, but Kapadia doesn’t shy away from creating a world where reality blurs into fantasy. We often think about things we can’t have and create scenarios in our heads about how we would react if that desire were suddenly met. This is the main theme of the film, and it resonates deeply with people. Meanwhile, universal themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery add further depth to the story. The director does a great job of creating a compelling story for each of the film’s main characters. It not only allows viewers to go deeper into the lives of these characters, but also provides an opportunity to connect with them on a more personal level. Additionally, the decision to switch the film between past and present gives it a dreamlike quality that lingers with the audience long after the film ends.
The script is another aspect that takes the movie to a whole new level. There are only a handful of Indian films that feature poetic and realistic stories. Payal Kapadia’sEverything we imagine as light” is one of them, seamlessly blending elements of magical realism with grounded human experience. Even if the dialogue is minimal, the impact it has on the audience is immense and is enough to make them understand its importance. The script of this film is a perfect example of ‘actions speak louder than words’ and Kapadia should be praised for this kind of approach. Her screenplay is full of metaphors and layers that ultimately reveal themselves, making it a satisfying experience for viewers who want to see an intelligent and emotional film.
Apart from the script and direction, the film is excellent in the way it shows Mumbai and its landscape. The cinematography of the film is breathtaking, with each frame feeling like a painting. It helps enhance the viewing experience of the movie and also deepens its emotional resonance.
Kani Kusruti in a still from “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” (Photo courtesy of Spirit Media)
In addition to these elements, the performances of the cast of “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” are probably the reason why this movie is so moving. Kani Kusruti who plays Prabha is mesmerizing in this film and gives one of the best performances of the year. She leaves no stone unturned to show the viewer how Prabha feels in a certain situation, and even when a scene requires her to remain calm, the viewer can’t help but wonder how she feels. Understand how you feel. Kusruti is a force to be reckoned with and her impeccable skills are commendable.
On the other hand, Divya Prabha adds a new layer to the film with her phenomenal performance. Her performance is nuanced and spontaneous. Her spontaneity is really great and makes her character more relatable. The chemistry between Kasunthi and Prabha is the highlight of the film and amplifies the overall impact of the film. Meanwhile, Chhaya Kadam continues her golden run with this film. She took India by storm with her perfect performance in Laapata Ladies, and she gave a great performance in this movie as well.
Overall, “Everything we imagine as light.” ” is a rare Indian film that can be compared to famous titles in world cinema. Payal Kapadia deftly captures universal emotions while maintaining a unique and personal vision. This film is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the human condition in all its complexity. The film is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory and emotion. The story unfolds like a collection of fragmented memories and evokes a strong sense of yearning. This is a testament to Kapadia’s vision and her ability to create cinematic experiences that resonate on an emotional and philosophical level.
Everything we imagine as light It was first released as the opening film of MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, which started on October 18, 2024.
