Indian cinema is carving out a distinctive path to international acclaim, with remarkable performances and award-winning films gaining recognition on global platforms. From the Oscars to the Asian Film Awards, Indian cinema is stepping forward, not only showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the country but also addressing the deep-rooted societal issues that still exist in modern India. These films reflect the struggles of a vast population dealing with financial instability and employment crises, as well as grappling with entrenched patriarchy and orthodox social structures.
At the 2025 Asian Film Awards, All We Imagine As Light and Santosh were the shining stars, with both films garnering top honors and continuing to elevate the profile of Indian cinema internationally. The film All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, and the Hindi movie Santosh, starring Shahana Goswami and directed by Sandhya Suri, both received recognition at the prestigious ceremony. These films successfully showcased the power of Indian cinema on a global stage, securing wins at the 18th edition of the awards, which were held on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong.
All We Imagine As Light and Santosh kept the Indian flag flying high, proudly representing the country at the Asian Film Awards. Payal Kapadia’s film, which had already earned recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, clinched the Best Film Award at the Hong Kong ceremony, marking another significant milestone in its journey. In the same ceremony, Shahana Goswami was awarded Best Actress for her compelling performance in Santosh, a crime-drama thriller directed by Sandhya Suri.
All We Imagine As Light: A Cinematic Exploration of Societal Struggles
Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light presents a poignant portrayal of India’s social landscape, examining the societal norms and the political nature of love within the country’s history. The film highlights the struggles of about a million migrants who flock to Mumbai, the so-called “City of Dreams,” in search of a better life, only to find that their hopes for a perfect life remain unfulfilled. It delves deep into the isolation felt by individuals who migrate from rural areas to urban centers, showing how alienation and loneliness often accompany their journey.
This movie is a powerful exploration of how systems of “othering” affect people based on factors like language, gender, religion, caste, and class. In India, where everything from cultural practices to social norms can change drastically within just twenty kilometers, the film captures the stark realities faced by those trying to fit into an ever-changing society.
Santosh: A Tale of Power, Justice, and Struggle
Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri, is a gripping crime-drama thriller that explores pressing social issues in contemporary India. The film centers around a young Hindu widow who inherits her husband’s job as a police constable through a government scheme. While the film presents a fiercely feminist narrative, it also delves into what power truly means in a deeply stratified society. As a murky crime unravels, the story reveals how issues of religion, caste, and corruption intertwine with the pursuit of justice.
The film addresses the abuse of power by those in positions of authority, the continuing prevalence of misogyny and casteism, and the struggle for justice in a society plagued by deeply entrenched inequalities. Shahana Goswami’s portrayal of the widowed protagonist is both heart-wrenching and empowering, and her award-winning performance earned her the Best Actress accolade at the 2025 Asian Film Awards.
The 18th Asian Film Awards: A Celebration of Global Cinema
The 18th Asian Film Awards ceremony, held at the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong on March 16, was a grand celebration of outstanding films from across Asia. Films from 25 countries and regions were nominated, and each showcased the diversity of cinematic talent in the region. All We Imagine As Light went on to win the Best Film Award, outshining contenders like Black Dog (a Chinese drama), Exhuma (a South Korean horror film), Teki Cometh (a Japanese mystery thriller), and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (a Hong Kong film adapted from the manga “City of Darkness”).
Kapadia, who previously won the Grand Prix Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for All We Imagine As Light, expressed her gratitude and joy at being honored at such a “wonderful place for cinema.” Her film’s success continues to underscore the growing global recognition of Indian cinema’s power and reach.
As Indian cinema continues to rise on the world stage, films like All We Imagine As Light and Santosh showcase the country’s ability to tell compelling, thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences far beyond its borders.
