Hansal Mehta Reveals Cannes Winner All We Imagine As Light Struggles to Find an OTT Home

Celebrated filmmaker Hansal Mehta has drawn attention to a pressing issue in Indian cinema: the struggle of independent films to find digital platforms. His recent comments about Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light, a Cannes Grand Prix winner, shed light on the challenges faced by remarkable films despite their international acclaim.
A Cannes Triumph Struggles for Digital Space
All We Imagine As Light made history in May by becoming the first Indian film to win the prestigious Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite this significant achievement, the film is yet to secure a deal with an OTT platform for its digital release.
Hansal Mehta, in a heartfelt statement, expressed his disappointment: “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.”
Distributed by Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media, the film has had a limited theatrical release in Kerala and is set to premiere across India on November 22.
About All We Imagine As Light
The Malayalam-Hindi film, directed by Payal Kapadia, offers a nuanced and poetic exploration of human relationships and emotions. It follows the story of Prabha, a nurse whose life is disrupted by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Meanwhile, her younger roommate Anu struggles to find moments of intimacy with her boyfriend amidst the chaos of city life.
The plot takes a transformative turn when the two nurses, accompanied by their friend Parvati, embark on a road trip to a beach town. The mystical forest they visit becomes a space for their dreams to take shape, blending reality and imagination.
Starring acclaimed actors Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, the film is an Indo-French co-production involving Petit Chaos (France), Chalk and Cheese, and Another Birth (India).
Mehta's remarks highlight a systemic challenge in the Indian entertainment industry. Despite international recognition, independent films often struggle to find commercial success and platforms for wider distribution.
The issue is particularly troubling given the global trend of OTT platforms becoming key supporters of unique, diverse storytelling. Industry insiders and audiences alike are left questioning why a film with such artistic and cultural value has yet to find its place in the digital space.
What’s Next for All We Imagine As Light?
The film’s nationwide theatrical release on November 22 provides an opportunity for audiences to experience its profound narrative and stunning visuals. Whether this will generate the momentum needed for an OTT platform to pick up the film remains to be seen.
For now, All We Imagine As Light stands as a testament to the resilience of independent filmmakers and the stories they bring to life. Fans and supporters hope that the film will eventually find the platform it deserves, enabling more people to witness its brilliance.