Hansal Mehta calls out OTT industry as All We Imagine As Light struggles for digital release: “Harsh reality of making independent films in India”

November 20, 2024 - 1:12 PM IST

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has expressed concern over the challenges faced by All We Imagine As Light, the critically acclaimed film directed by Payal Kapadia. The movie, which made history by winning the prestigious Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, is yet to secure a digital streaming platform for its release, according to Mehta.

Hansal Mehta calls out OTT industry as All We Imagine As Light struggles for digital release: “Harsh reality of making independent films in India”

Struggles in Securing an OTT Deal

In a post shared on social media, Hansal Mehta revealed that despite the film’s recognition at Cannes, no OTT platform has purchased the rights to All We Imagine As Light. The filmmaker shared a review of the film from The New Yorker and highlighted the film’s struggle to find a digital home.

Mehta wrote, "And from what I hear a film that no OTT platform is buying. The harsh reality of making independent films in India. This is no country for the spectacular All We Imagine As Light. HOPE I’M PROVED WRONG." His comment sheds light on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers in India, particularly when it comes to getting their work seen by a wider audience through digital platforms.

And from what I hear a film that no OTT platform is buying. The harsh reality of making independent films in India. This is no country for the spectacular All We Imagine As Light. HOPE I’M PROVED WRONG. https://t.co/nCN8wVppVw
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) November 18, 2024

Makers express gratitude for the support

With Hansal Mehta showcasing his support, the makers of the film Spirit Media have expressed gratitude towards all the love coming their way. Confirming the theatrical release, they penned a note assuring fans that the film will release in OTT soon as they said, "We’re so grateful for all the support from the creative community! #AllWeImagineAsLight releasing in cinemas near you this Friday, Nov 22. And in due time on screens even closer home :-)".

We’re so grateful for all the support from the creative community! #AllWeImagineAsLight releasing in cinemas near you this Friday, Nov 22. And in due time on screens even closer home :-) pic.twitter.com/nTRkkGZPK7
— Spirit Media (@SpiritMediaIN) November 19, 2024

A Breakthrough Film for Indian Cinema

All We Imagine As Light made waves at the Cannes Film Festival by becoming the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix award, a significant achievement for Indian cinema. Despite its critical acclaim, the film is struggling to find an OTT platform to distribute it. The film, a Malayalam-Hindi feature, is being distributed in India by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media. It has already been released theatrically in Kerala and is scheduled to hit theaters across the rest of the country on November 22, 2024.

Also Read: Payal Kapadia speaks on Laapataa Ladies being India’s official entry for Oscars over her Cannes Award-winning film All We Imagine As Light: “Oscar is like a lobby”