All We Imagine As Light(2024) - A visually captivating yet slow exploration of women’s lives in Mumbai.

Directed by: Payal Kapadia

Starring by: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, Azees Nedumangad
Genres: Drama, Romance
Categories: Malayalam Featured, Malayalam Movies 2024
Country: India
Language: Malayalam

Plot:
Set in Mumbai, All We Imagine As Light delves into the emotional and social lives of three women, Prabha, Anu, and Parvati, who are intertwined by their circumstances. Prabha, a nurse, grapples with her lonely life as her husband works abroad, Anu seeks a space to be with her boyfriend, and Parvati, a strong and spirited older woman, helps bring hope and smiles to the others. Against the backdrop of Bombay, the city of dreams, the film portrays the layered emotions of womanhood across different ages.

---

Highlights:

Relatable Themes and Performances:

• Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam deliver stellar performances, capturing the nuances of their characters with authenticity and depth.
• The story effectively portrays the challenges faced by women of varying age groups and their attempts to find light amidst their struggles.

Visuals and Cinematography:

• Ranabir Das’s camerawork beautifully captures the vibrant yet chaotic essence of Mumbai.
• The film uses day and night as a visual metaphor, creating a striking narrative template.

Sound Design:

• The sound is authentic and elevates the film’s emotional tone, immersing the audience in the bustling life of Mumbai.

---

Strengths:

• Raw and layered portrayal of women's emotions and desires.
• Excellent performances by the lead cast.
• Captivating visuals of Mumbai that add depth to the narrative.

Weaknesses:

• Slow pacing, particularly in the second half, which tests the viewer’s patience.
• Overly lengthy scenes that could have been more concise.
• Relies heavily on cliched tropes, leading to predictability and lack of novelty.

---

My Personal Take:

All We Imagine As Light had the potential to be a masterpiece but falls short due to its pacing and predictable storytelling. Prabha’s character, while well-acted, embodies a too-righteous archetype that becomes tiresome, and the subplot involving her roommate and lover feels like filler. The story of Parvati, though engaging initially, ends up underwhelming as it lacks a strong resolution.

While the film showcases Payal Kapadia's undeniable craft, especially in the cinematography and thematic elements, it struggles to deliver a fresh perspective or emotional impact. Despite its flaws, the film's portrayal of Mumbai and its raw emotional undertones make it a commendable effort.

Rating: 

2/5