Kusruti Cannes Clutch Stirs Palestine Support (Symbolism You Won’t Believe!)

At Cannes 2024, Kani Kusruti made a bold statement by carrying a watermelon clutch, symbolizing solidarity with Palestine through its colors. Her gesture quickly went viral, drawing widespread praise on social media. Many in the Malayalam film industry, including Darshana Rajendran, applauded her for taking a stand. Meanwhile, All We Imagine As Light received an eight-minute standing ovation, marking one of the festival’s highlights.

The film follows Prabha, a nurse whose life takes a turn after receiving a surprise gift, while her younger roommate, Anu, struggles to find privacy in a bustling city. Seeking solace, the two embark on a road trip to a coastal town, where they encounter a mystical forest that transforms their journey. The story explores themes of self-discovery, longing, and personal freedom. Kani’s powerful political statement and the film’s success made headlines, further amplifying its impact at Cannes.

Kusruti Cannes Clutch Stirs Palestine Support (Symbolism You Won’t Believe!)

At the 2024 Cannes screening of All We Imagine As Light, actor Kani Kusruti made a striking statement by carrying a watermelon-shaped clutch, a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Palestine. The accessory, resembling the red, green, and black hues of the Palestinian flag, quickly gained attention on social media, with many praising her for advocating a ceasefire in Gaza. Images and videos of Kusruti holding the clutch alongside her cast members went viral, sparking widespread appreciation.

Standing Ovation and Industry Support

Following the viral moment, numerous Malayalam film industry figures, including actor Darshana Rajendran, commended Kani’s bold stance on Instagram. The film itself received an overwhelming response, earning an extended eight-minute standing ovation—one of the longest at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

All We Imagine As Light follows the story of Prabha, a nurse whose life is disrupted by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband.

At Cannes 2024, Kani Kusruti made a bold statement by carrying a watermelon clutch, symbolizing solidarity with Palestine through its colors. Her gesture quickly went viral, drawing widespread praise on social media. Many in the Malayalam film industry, including Darshana Rajendran, applauded her for taking a stand. Meanwhile, All We Imagine As Light received an eight-minute standing ovation, marking one of the festival’s highlights.

The film follows Prabha, a dedicated nurse whose routine life is disrupted by an unexpected gift from her long-estranged husband, forcing her to confront unresolved emotions and past choices. Meanwhile, her younger roommate, Anu, seeks privacy in a bustling city to spend time with her boyfriend, but the lack of space and societal pressures make it increasingly difficult. Their shared experiences as women navigating personal and emotional challenges in a rapidly changing world create a deep bond between them.

Seeking a much-needed escape, the two set out on a road trip to a serene coastal town, hoping to find solace away from their everyday struggles. As they immerse themselves in the journey, they stumble upon a mystical forest that becomes a backdrop for their dreams and self-discovery. The setting, with its natural beauty and almost surreal atmosphere, allows them to reflect on their desires, fears, and aspirations.

Through its delicate storytelling, All We Imagine As Light explores themes of freedom, longing, and personal transformation.

Kani’s powerful political statement at Cannes, coupled with the film’s success, not only amplified its impact but also sparked meaningful conversations on identity, womanhood, and resilience. Her symbolic gesture reignited discussions on artistic expression as a tool for activism, highlighting the role of cinema in addressing pressing global issues and advocating for human rights. The overwhelming response from audiences and critics alike underscored the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and awareness. Through its nuanced portrayal of personal struggles and self-discovery, All We Imagine As Light resonated deeply, emphasizing the transformative power of both cinema and solidarity.