The Kerala government has celebrated the accomplishments of Malayalam movie artists at the recent Cannes Film Festival. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honoured actors Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Hridhu Haroon, and Azees Nedumangad for their roles in the film All We Imagine as Light, which won the Grand Prix award at Cannes. Directed by Payal Kapadia, this film received the second-highest award at the festival, just after the Palme d’Or.
Kerala Government Honours Malayalam Actors for Cannes Achievements
The Chief Minister also congratulated other artists who contributed to the success of Indian cinema at Cannes and expressed his hope that they continue to achieve greater heights in their artistic careers. Minister for Culture Saji Cherian presided over the event. Kerala State Film Development Corporation chairman Shaji N. Karun, whose film Swaham was part of the Cannes competition 30 years ago, was also present at the occasion.
Payal Kapadia and the cast of her film All We Imagine As Light left a lasting impression on international critics during its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23. This film, notably the first Indian movie in 30 years to qualify for the festival's competition section, won the prestigious Grand Prix award at the renowned film festival.
PM Modi Lauds Payal Kapadia's Cannes Win
On May 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate Payal Kapadia, writing, "India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic achievement of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work 'All We Imagine as Light."
All We Imagine As Light Made History
Payal Kapadia made history at Cannes when her film, All We Imagine as Light, won the prestigious Grand Prix award at the renowned film festival. The film’s team, including director Payal Kapadia and actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, attended the Cannes Film Festival 2024 to accept the award during the closing ceremony.
All We Imagine As Light Cast on The Red Carpet
Before the screening, the star-studded cast of the internationally funded film graced the red carpet on the steps of the Palais du Festival. Kani Kusruti drew attention with her unique watermelon clutch, designed to look like a cut section of the fruit in green and red. Divya Prabha turned heads with her elegant copper-hued gown, presenting a stark contrast to her character in the film.
Hridu Haroon opted for traditional attire, donning a veshti and a long embellished kurta. Kapadia and her co-producer and cinematographer, Ranabir Das, chose classic formal black outfits.
Take a look.
Kapadia's Film Receives Eight-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes
The film's reception at Cannes was overwhelmingly positive, with an eight-minute standing ovation at the end of its screening, one of the longest ovations at this year’s festival. This enthusiastic response highlights the film's impact on its audience and its potential to resonate with viewers globally.
Regardless of whether the film takes home the trophy, it has already garnered significant praise from international critics. After the screening, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian lauded the film for its "freshness and emotional clarity," drawing comparisons between Kapadia's "fluent and absorbing" storytelling and the works of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, particularly his classics Mahanagar and Aranyer Din Ratri.
Variety also praised Kapadia's film, highlighting her growing filmography. "With just two features in her young career, Kapadia has demonstrated a rare talent for discovering moments of exquisite poetry within the mundane realities of everyday Indian life."
Early Twitter Reviews
Early reviews on social media reflect the critical acclaim that the film has received. Viewers have praised its unique narrative and emotional depth, with many expressing their admiration for Kapadia's direction and storytelling abilities.
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