Actor and producer Rana Daggubati, celebrated for his support of indie cinema, expressed his excitement and honor at the release of Payal Kapadia’s critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light.
At a press meet in Mumbai, co-hosted with Kapadia, Rana announced the film’s pan-India release set for November 22, 2024.
Rana emphasized the significance of this film, stating, “I am not usually known for films like these, but All We Imagine As Light will have a large pan-India release. It is a huge honor for us to be part of this film and bring it to you, the audience. Thank you, Payal, for making such an awesome film and for partnering with us to get it out.” His commitment to elevating independent cinema underscores a shift in the industry, where unique narratives are increasingly gaining recognition.
When asked about his involvement in indie filmmaking, Rana reflected on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. “Even after 20 years in the film industry, I still struggle to define indie films versus mainstream cinema. Traditionally, films with songs and dances were considered mainstream, while those with unique stories became independent because they lacked big stars. However, India is now entering a phase where storytelling takes precedence,” he explained.
Rana shared his own journey, recalling how his career began with Bommalata, an independent film that won a national award but struggled to find a theatrical release. “It’s been about finding space for such films, especially since, unlike the rest of the world, there are no grants for filmmakers in India. It has always relied on the merit of the film or the efforts of a few filmmakers championing this space.”
He praised All We Imagine As Light for its narrative style, likening it to a traditional Malayalam film. “I felt it was not truly independent in the way we often think about indie films. With this release, we aim to challenge the conventional routes for independent films in India. We first premiered in Kerala, and we are now moving through various screenings, including MAMI, before the theatrical release,” he noted.
The film features an impressive cast, including Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam. Earlier this year, All We Imagine As Light was honored with the prestigious Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, further cementing its status in the global film landscape.
With its unique narrative and Rana's support, All We Imagine As Light is poised to make a significant impact when it hits theaters on November 22, 2024.