Malayalam

But unlike the steady stream of content from other regional cinema - such as Malayalam films from Kerala - Marathi films still emerge in bursts.

Facing immense social and financial pressure, the director, who is now widely regarded as the father of Malayalam cinema, never made another film.

Even before its release, the film made headlines over its budget - huge for the relatively understated Malayalam film industry - and star-studded promotions.

While the film, which is a remake of the hit Malayalam movie The Great Indian Kitchen, has sparked conversation - and pushback, especially from men on social media - its themes resonate with hard data.

In All We Imagine As Light, a film made in the Hindi, Marathi and Malayalam languages, three migrant women in Mumbai navigate empathy, resilience and human connection.