All We Imagine as Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, marks an ambitious entry into global cinema with its debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. This Indian-French co-production blends a realist drama with an intimate exploration of the lives of three women in the vibrant yet overwhelming city of Mumbai. With its poetic and layered storytelling, the film has garnered significant attention in art-house circuits worldwide. Released on September 21, 2024, the film has slowly made its mark at the box office, driven by critical acclaim and niche audiences.
Budget and Critical Reception
The production budget for All We Imagine as Light is estimated to be between ₹8 to ₹10 crore. While modest in comparison to larger commercial films, this budget aligns with its art-house appeal. The film was well-received at international festivals, winning the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes and gaining further nominations at events like the Sydney and Chicago film festivals. This early critical recognition helped the film build momentum ahead of its release, particularly in markets that appreciate independent, artistic cinema.
Day 5 Worldwide Box Office Collection
By the end of Day 5, All We Imagine as Light has grossed approximately ₹43.8 lakh globally. The film’s collections have been driven primarily by international markets, with strong performances in Europe and Australia, where it appeals to a dedicated art-house audience. In India, the film saw limited release and thus managed a smaller portion of the total earnings, with just ₹3 lakh collected in its first three days.
The film’s collections are modest but in line with expectations for an independent drama. Its appeal lies less in box office numbers and more in its cultural and artistic impact.
Challenges at the Box Office
The film’s slow box office growth can be attributed to its niche appeal and limited release strategy. As a character-driven drama with minimalist storytelling, All We Imagine as Light caters more to cinephiles and festival-goers rather than mass audiences. The film has been released in select cities across India and overseas, restricting its potential for widespread box office success.
In India, the film’s earnings were modest due to a restricted release in major urban centers. Its deeper appeal is seen in international markets where art-house films typically perform better.
International Success
Internationally, All We Imagine as Light has fared significantly better. Markets such as France, Australia, and the UK have responded well to the film, with art-house audiences drawn to its quiet, introspective style. The strong critical acclaim it received at Cannes and subsequent festivals has helped position the film as a must-watch for global cinephiles. While its box office earnings are not massive, the film’s global reach continues to grow as it screens in more international cities.
| Day | India Net (₹ Cr) | Overseas (₹ Cr) | Worldwide (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Sep 21) | 0.01 | 0.03 | 0.04 |
| Day 2 (Sep 22) | 0.01 | 0.05 | 0.06 |
| Day 3 (Sep 23) | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.08 |
| Day 4 (Sep 24) | 0.02 | 0.10 | 0.12 |
| Day 5 (Sep 25) | 0.02 | 0.13 | 0.15 |
| Total | 0.07 | 0.38 | 0.43 |
Future Prospects
While All We Imagine as Light is not expected to break major box office records, its true success will likely come from its festival circuit and eventual streaming release. The film is poised for a long-tail success, attracting a dedicated following through word-of-mouth and critical reviews. With additional screenings in global markets and a potential release on streaming platforms, it could continue to build a loyal audience over time.
Conclusion
All We Imagine as Light has had a respectable start at the box office, with ₹43.8 lakh earned by Day 5. Its art-house appeal, strong international reception, and limited release have defined its steady performance. The film’s journey continues as it moves beyond box office numbers, focusing on its cultural and artistic resonance.
