All We Imagine As Light narrates the story of Prabha, a nurse living in Mumbai. She is reserved and is married but her husband is estranged since he moved to Germany for work. She has a roommate Anu, also a nurse at the hospital and Anu is in a secret relationship with Shiaz. Anu is young and is everything Prabha is not. Anu is aware of the challenges of being in an inter-faith relationship but for now their love is pure. Prabhas is closer to Parvathy, cook at the hospital and she is about to get evicted from her house by the powerful builder trying to demolish her house. All three women have their challenges and different set of pov towards life. The film tries to capture those few days of their lives as they come to terms with their reality.
Payal Kapadia impressive directorial, narrates a grounded tale, keeping the story around it's three women. The pick of the lot will be Kani Kusruti's Prabha and she effectively portrays her longing for the estranged husband. The way she is reserved and promptly ends a probable relationship was executed terrificly. Then there is Divya Prabhu's Anu who yearns to have a private space to be with her partner intimately and it's not just sex but being in that initial phase of their love story, building the trust among each other. The third story with Chhaya Kadam as Parvathy sticks to harsh reality and her return to village. There were several profound moments which takes the subtle tone, without going melodramatic like that scene where Prabha apologises to Anu. But it was the final act where Prabha finds her closure, executed so beautifully. Overall, the strong performances elevate this story and it was worth watching in the theater.