In the captivating drama All We Can Imagine as Light, the intimate sisterly bond between Prabha, portrayed by Kani Kusruti, and Anu, played by Divya Prabha, becomes central to the narrative. Janus Films hide caption
The gorgeously enveloping new drama All We Imagine as Light opens on a warm, muggy evening in the bustling city of Mumbai. Viewers are immediately drawn into the vibrant chaos, where young men energetically stack crates along the crowded sidewalks, and older women skillfully sell a variety of delectable street food in lively open-air markets. Meanwhile, the rhythmic clatter of commuter trains rattles above, intersecting a glimmering cityscape that is both enchanting and overwhelming.
As we absorb this lively backdrop, the voices of Mumbai locals rise around us, reflecting on the invigorating yet exhausting nature of their urban existence. For many who have migrated from distant villages, leaving their families and familiar surroundings behind, this city can serve as a double-edged sword, pulsating with opportunity while also inflicting deep isolation.
Payal Kapadia, the talented writer and director, who herself hails from Mumbai, made waves a few years ago with her striking debut documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which artfully weaved together elements of fiction and reality. Now, with All We Imagine as Light, her first narrative feature, she continues to blur those boundaries; the opening scene incorporates stories drawn from intimate interviews with actual residents of Mumbai, grounding the film in authentic experiences.
Kapadia’s introduction of her two lead characters is executed with a remarkable subtlety that allows viewers to gradually realize their significance. Prabha is introduced as a dedicated head nurse at a bustling hospital, contrasted sharply by Anu, a younger, free-spirited nurse who embodies a flirty and impulsive nature. Shifting from the stricter routine of the hospital to the warmth of their shared home, the stark differences in their personalities create a delightful dynamic.
Anu, played expertly by Divya Prabha, exudes a lively energy, embracing fun and spontaneity, while Prabha, brought to life by Kani Kusruti, embodies a more measured and responsible demeanor. She often finds herself shouldering the burden of household duties, preparing meals, and tactfully agreeing to cover the rent when Anu finds herself financially short. Underlying their playful banter is a profound sisterly warmth that deepens with each passing day, leading them to discover surprising similarities amidst their differences.
Both women hail from the southern Indian state of Kerala, and though they seldom return to see their families, they remain tethered to the rigid expectations imposed upon them, particularly regarding their romantic lives. Anu’s secretive relationship with a young man named Shiaz complicates her life; the religious differences require her to keep their connection hidden from both friends and family. Meanwhile, Prabha is left grappling with the distance from her husband, who relocated to Germany for work and has since become a distant memory, leaving her to question the status of their arranged marriage.
All We Imagine as Light explores an array of themes. It reflects on the incredible distances some individuals traverse in pursuit of stability, the complex notion of home in an unfamiliar city, and how even in a densely populated metropolis like Mumbai, profound loneliness can linger. The depiction of Mumbai transforms during the monsoon season, as the rain breathes new life into the environment, turning the city into a shimmering blur that captivates the senses.
Crucially, the film also delves into the solidarity among women, showcasing how they extend empathy and understanding to one another in a society that often denies them those very sentiments. A pivotal moment arises when Prabha and Anu rally around their older colleague, Parvaty, who faces the heartbreaking loss of her long-time apartment at the hands of avaricious developers. Gender inequality plays a significant role in Parvaty’s situation; her recent widowhood strips her of any perceived rights to the property, thrusting her future into uncertainty.
As Parvaty makes the difficult decision to return to her coastal hometown, Prabha and Anu graciously accompany her to lend support. The narrative’s shift to this sunny beach location, so starkly different from the rainy congestion of Mumbai, provokes deep introspection in both women about their true sense of belonging — whether it lies in the rural villages of their youth or the city that has embraced them. And they grapple with profound questions about the meaning of home, especially when separation from their loved ones casts a shadow over their dreams.
Kapadia, as an emotionally attuned storyteller, refrains from delivering straightforward resolutions to these existential questions. Her filmmaking style becomes increasingly sensual and dreamlike, pulling viewers along with Prabha and Anu towards poignant moments of realization about their interdependence. Despite the myriad obstacles placed in their paths by society, their friendship flourishes, emerging as a powerful form of resistance against the adversities they face in the world around them.
What inspired Payal Kapadia to explore the relationship between sisters Prabha and Anu in *All We Imagine as Light*?
**Interview with Payal Kapadia, Director of *All We Imagine as Light***
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Payal. Your film, *All We Imagine as Light*, has garnered significant attention. Can you share with us what inspired you to tell the story of Prabha and Anu?
**Payal Kapadia**: Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from my observations of urban life in Mumbai. I wanted to explore the deep connections people form despite the chaos around them. The bond between sisters Prabha and Anu was particularly compelling for me, as it reflects both the warmth of familial love and the struggles many face in a bustling city, far from home.
**Interviewer**: The setting of Mumbai plays a crucial role in your film. How did you capture the city’s essence while telling this intimate story?
**Payal Kapadia**: I believe Mumbai is a character in its own right in the film. The bustling streets, the sounds of daily life, and the vibrant markets were essential in framing Prabha and Anu’s experiences. We incorporated real stories from residents to create a genuine atmosphere, illustrating how the city can be both full of opportunities and isolating at the same time.
**Interviewer**: The dynamic between Prabha and Anu reflects a profound sisterly bond. How did you approach the character development for these two women?
**Payal Kapadia**: I wanted to show the contrast in their personalities while highlighting their connection. Prabha is responsible and grounded, while Anu embodies a carefree spirit. I think their differing approaches to life create a playful yet poignant relationship that many can relate to. Through their interactions, we see how they support each other and navigate their responsibilities.
**Interviewer**: Anu’s romantic relationship adds complexity to the narrative. How did you intend to portray the theme of love amidst societal expectations?
**Payal Kapadia**: Love can often be a complicated affair, especially in the context of societal norms. Anu’s secret relationship with Shiaz illustrates the challenges of navigating love when faced with familial expectations and cultural differences. I wanted to show that these struggles are universal, as is the desire for connection—no matter the obstacles.
**Interviewer**: *All We Imagine as Light* touches on themes of loneliness and the search for stability. What message do you hope audiences take away from the film?
**Payal Kapadia**: My hope is that viewers walk away with an understanding of the diverse experiences within a city like Mumbai. It’s easy to feel lost amidst the crowd, yet it’s the connections we forge—whether with family or friends—that ground us. Even in the busiest environments, loneliness can coexist, but so can the strength of kinship and love.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Payal, for your insights. We’re excited for audiences to experience *All We Imagine as Light*.
**Payal Kapadia**: Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
