All We Imagine As Light Movie Review | Anupama Chopra | THR India

Anupama Chopra reviews "All We Imagine as Light," the award-winning debut feature from director Payal Kapadia that won the Grand Prix at Cannes Film Festival. This lyrical narrative weaves together themes of female friendship, urban isolation, and the search for connection through the story of two Malayali nurses in Mumbai.

The film follows Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha), whose lives intersect with Parvati (Chhaya Kadam), as they navigate the crushing claustrophobia of Mumbai before finding solace in a coastal village. Anupama Chopra examines how Kapadia and cinematographer Ranabir Das transform the city's chaos into visual poetry, while analyzing the understated yet powerful performances of the ensemble cast.

With evocative cinematography, gentle music by Topshe, and a measured pace that rewards patience, "All We Imagine as Light" marks FTII alumna Payal Kapadia's emergence as an essential filmmaker. Anupama Chopra discusses how the film transcends conventional storytelling to create a deeply affecting meditation on love, loss, and liberation.