The critically acclaimed All We Imagine As Light is set to debut on Disney+ Hotstar on January 3, 2025. The film recently bagged two nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards: Best Director for Payal Kapadia, marking her as the first Indian to achieve this honour, and Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language.

Earlier this year, the film created history by winning the prestigious Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Premiering on May 23 in Cannes' competition section, it became the first Indian film in 30 years to feature in the main segment, following Shaji N Karun’s Swaham in 1994.

Expressing her excitement, Payal Kapadia stated, "I am thrilled at the love All We Imagine As Light has received from all of you. After a successful theatrical run, I am happy that it will now be available to watch on Disney+ Hotstar. I am very excited now to share it with a wider audience."

The film, an official Indo-French co-production, brings together Petit Chaos from France and India’s Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth. It stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, along with Hridhu Haroon. The story follows Prabha, a troubled nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, and Anu, her young roommate exploring intimacy with her boyfriend. Their journey to a beach town becomes a backdrop for confronting their deepest desires.

Challenges in Indian Distribution
Despite its global acclaim, All We Imagine As Light faced challenges in Indian theatres. Distributed by Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media, the film had a limited release in Kerala before being screened across the country. It had the plight of being under-screened.

In mid-November, filmmaker Hansal Mehta voiced concerns on social media, claiming that independent films like Kapadia’s often struggle to secure platforms for digital release. He wrote, "And from what I hear, a film that no OTT platform is buying. The harsh reality of making independent films in India. This is no country for the spectacular All We Imagine As Light. HOPE I'M PROVED WRONG."

Intimate Scenes Spark Debate

A video clip from All We Imagine As Light, featuring actor Divya Prabha, was recorded during a screening in Kerala and subsequently circulated online. The scenes in the video sparked a flurry of comments, many of which have been deemed inappropriate, leading to the controversy gaining widespread attention. The film’s portrayal of intimacy has ignited debate, with social media users focusing on the nature of these scenes rather than the film’s broader narrative or artistic value.

Divya Prabha defended the film’s intimate scenes in an interview with ETV Bharat. Addressing the controversy, Prabha explained that the scenes were designed to support the film’s themes rather than to titillate audiences. She remarked, “The concept of the film is what should be discussed. If the concept was not strong, would the film have garnered global attention? It is not the nudity but the story that matters.”

Prabha revealed that an intimacy coordinator ensured the filming process prioritised consent and care. She also compared her experience to that of the late Silk Smitha, who faced criticism for her bold roles but was appreciated posthumously. Prabha hopes younger audiences will focus on the film's narrative rather than its controversial scenes.

Golden Globes Streaming in India
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards, recognising excellence in film and television, will stream live in India on Lionsgate Play on January 6 at 6:30 AM IST.