The film “All We Imagine as Light” will begin showing in select theaters in Kerala on September 21st. The movie tells the story of two nurses from Kerala who work in Mumbai. It was directed by Payal Kapadia and won the Grand Prix, the second highest prize, at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
The film focuses on the lives of Prabha and Anu, who share an apartment in Mumbai. Prabha receives a surprise gift from her estranged husband as she deals with personal issues. Meanwhile, Anu seeks private time with her boyfriend. A trip to a coastal town becomes an opportunity for the women to explore their desires and inner thoughts.
The production involved companies from France, India, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Italy. Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media acquired the Indian distribution rights. Daggubati said in a quote to Variety that he is proud to bring the film to Indian audiences starting in Kerala. He noted that the story captures the Indian experience through characters from different parts of the country living in Mumbai and pursuing shared dreams.
The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, all natives of Kerala. It will release in Kerala under the Malayalam title “Prabhayay Ninachathellam.” After its opening in select theaters there, it plans wider release in major cities across India. Significantly, the film was also considered as France’s submission for the international feature film Oscar category, which ultimately went to a different movie.
As “All We Imagine as Light” starts its theatrical run, it represents an important moment for independent Indian cinema. It also shines a needed spotlight on the lives of migrant workers in large urban areas like Mumbai through the experiences of its nurse protagonists from Kerala.
