Payal Kapadia plans Mumbai trilogy after global success

Payal Kapadia, the acclaimed director of All We Imagine as Light, has announced plans to create a trilogy of films set in Mumbai. Following her film’s success at Cannes and the Golden Globes, Kapadia shared with Variety that she has begun writing her next project, which could be the first in a series of three Mumbai-based stories. She expressed her excitement about exploring the city further through her films.

Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, an Indo-French collaboration, has earned global recognition, featuring talents such as Kani Kusruti and Chhaya Kadam. The film won prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes and Best International Feature from the New York Film Critics Circle. Former US President Barack Obama also listed it among his favourite films of the year, further elevating its profile.

Responding to criticism from filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who described her film as “technically very poor”, Kapadia maintained a gracious stance. She expressed her willingness to understand his viewpoint if given the opportunity to discuss it with him. Reflecting on the Oscar submission process, she acknowledged her film’s absence but respected the committee’s decisions.

Kapadia revealed that her film was primarily funded through grants and emphasised the challenges of independent filmmaking. Now, with her sights set on her next project, she hopes to continue telling compelling stories rooted in Mumbai, marking a new chapter in her career.