NEW DELHI: All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, has made waves in the international film circuit, earning spots on the BAFTA Film Awards 2025 longlists in three prestigious categories: Best Film Not in the English Language, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
The British Academy announced the results of its first round of voting across 25 categories on Friday.
Kapadia’s Malayalam-Hindi feature made history earlier this year as the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes.
Kapadia isn’t the only Indian-origin talent making an impact.
Sandhya Suri’s Santosh and Karan Kandhari’s Sister Midnight have both been longlisted for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, further showcasing the global prominence of Indian storytelling.
British-Indian actor Dev Patel has also garnered recognition, with his directorial debut Monkey Man earning a spot on the Leading Actor longlist.
According to BAFTA, films on the longlists will advance to the next stage of voting, which is ongoing until January 10.
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Final nominations are set to be announced on January 15, while the awards ceremony will take place on February 16, 2025.
Kapadia’s film continues to earn accolades, with three BAFTA nods following its two nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and Best Direction – Motion Picture.
The film explores the lives of two Malayali nurses in Mumbai—Prabha, a reserved woman longing for her absent husband, and Anu, her lively roommate caught in a forbidden love affair.
Through their evolving friendship, the film weaves themes of love, identity, and the challenges of urban life.
The cast includes a standout performance by Chhaya Kadam.
Sandhya Suri’s Santosh is a gripping police thriller set in Uttar Pradesh.
The film follows a newly widowed housewife who inherits her husband’s job as a constable and becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
Starring Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, it premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and is Britain’s official Oscar entry for Best International Feature.
Karan Kandhari’s Sister Midnight is a “dark physical comedy,” starring Radhika Apte as Uma, a frustrated newlywed seeking liberation from domestic monotony.
Ashok Pathak and Chhaya Kadam also feature in key roles.
Dev Patel’s Monkey Man marks his debut as a director and draws inspiration from the legend of Lord Hanuman.
Set in Mumbai, the story follows Kid, a man avenging the corrupt leaders who wronged his family.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Sikander Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Makarand Deshpande.
Stay tuned as the countdown to the BAFTA 2025 awards continues.
