Writer / director Payal Kapadia‘s “All We Imagine As Light” is a beautifully crafted film that gives an intimate look at the lives of working-class women in Mumbai. It’s all about connection, desire, and the challenges women face in a big, fast-paced city that can sometimes seem indifferent to their struggles.
The story focuses on two roommates who work together in a hospital, head nurse Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and new hire Anu (Divya Prabha). These women lead lives that are complicated by relationships, both professional and personal. Prabha is dealing with the attention of a doctor at her hospital who is trying to win her over while juggling an estranged husband who lives far away in Germany. Anu is having a secret romance with a Muslim guy, a relationship that she has to hide from her strict Hindu family. Adding to the stress is their coworker Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), who is struggling with a sudden eviction. In other words, welcome to the tough world of being a woman.
The way the film captures Mumbai’s busy, chaotic energy is impressive, but what really stands out is how Kapadia contrasts that with the calm and beauty of a beach town that Prabha and Anu visit. It’s a nice reminder of how important it is to find a moment of peace and space to just be, especially for these women who are constantly navigating emotional and social pressures. The camera work is dreamy and almost otherworldly at times, which makes these moments of serenity feel extra special.
At its heart, the film is about the power of friendship, sisterhood, and how women support each other through the toughest of times. Prabha and Anu’s bond is central to the story, and you can really feel their connection. Parvaty’s struggles with her own tough situation add another layer to the theme of women helping each other out and counting on each other when the going gets especially rough.
The script is sharp and real, with a perfect balance of tough moments and lighter, more beautiful ones. Kapadia does a great job of showing the complexity of these women’s lives without feeling overly heavy-handed. This is a warm, uplifting film that showcases the quiet strength of friendship and the ways women create their own spaces of support.
With strong performances, a thoughtful script, and impressive direction, “All We Imagine As Light” is a film that sticks with you, giving a fresh perspective on the power of connection, the complexity of relationships, and the unspoken (and unbreakable) bond between women.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 