Indian Film 'All We Imagine as Light' Gains Global Acclaim but Faces Limited Theatrical Reach at Home

Despite winning international awards and critical praise, Payal Kapadia's film struggles for screen space in India due to competition with mainstream blockbusters.

Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine as Light' has earned nominations for the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, including Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film categories.
The film made history as the first Indian movie to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving an 8-minute standing ovation.
Limited showings in Indian cinemas have been attributed to high audience demand for the blockbuster 'Pushpa 2: The Rule,' which dominates screens nationwide.
Shabana Azmi and other industry voices have called for better theatrical distribution systems to support independent films and cultivate diverse audiences.
The film recently saw a re-release in select Indian cities after fans rallied for improved access, with director Kapadia urging audiences to prioritize cinema viewings over waiting for OTT releases.