Why OTT Platforms Aren’t Taking All We Imagine As Light

Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light created history by becoming the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. The story, set in the vibrant city of Mumbai, revolves around Prabha and Anu, two nurses balancing personal and professional challenges. Critics have lauded its depth and storytelling, comparing it to the timeless works of Satyajit Ray.

OTT Platforms’ Reluctance

Despite its global acclaim, the film faces challenges at home. Acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta voiced his concern on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the lack of interest from OTT platforms. He called this situation a “harsh reality” for Indian independent cinema and urged stakeholders to support such remarkable works.

The Road to Theaters

After several delays, the film is finally hitting theaters on November 22. The Indian distribution of this film is handled by Spirit Media, which is led by Rana Daggubati. He expressed confidence in the film, stating that it was the right project to back despite the commercial challenges faced by independent cinema.

Missed Oscar Opportunity

The Film Federation of India’s decision to skip this Cannes-winning gem for its Oscar entry sparked debates. Many believe it could have been a strong contender for international recognition. This decision highlights ongoing struggles within the independent filmmaking space in India.