As the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival gets underway from May 13 to May 24, 2025, India once again carves out a space of cultural brilliance on the global cinematic canvas. Though no Indian films are part of the main competition this year, the red carpet and prestigious sections of the festival remain illuminated by the presence of Indian stars, legends, debutants, and path-breaking filmmakers.
Legends, Debuts, and Red Carpet Icons Return
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a name synonymous with Cannes for over two decades, returns to the French Riviera as the ever-glamorous face of L’Oréal Paris. Her style statements are once again expected to dominate global fashion conversations, reaffirming her reign as a Cannes mainstay. Alia Bhatt, originally scheduled to make her Cannes debut after turning heads at the Met Gala in a Sabyasachi sari, may delay her appearance due to reports of rising tensions at the India-Pakistan border. Despite the uncertainty, fans remain hopeful for a last-minute surprise from the actress and Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador.
Simi Garewal is set to make her much-awaited red carpet debut on May 19, gracing the premiere of the 4K restored version of Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri. Her presence, alongside fellow cast member Sharmila Tagore, marks a tribute to Ray’s enduring legacy. Tagore, who served on the main Cannes jury in 2009, adds gravitas to the screening, underlining India’s deep-rooted connection with the festival’s heritage.
A New Wave of Indian Cinema Breaks Through
While the main competition remains elusive, India’s presence is strongly felt in other major segments. Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s second feature film Homebound has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section, spotlighting original and daring storytelling. The film, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, is also notable for having Martin Scorsese as its executive producer. Karan Johar, whose Dharma Productions is co-producing the film, will attend the festival and hailed the selection as a landmark moment for Indian independent cinema. Kapoor and Khatter will walk the red carpet together, celebrating their artistic journey under Ghaywan’s vision.
Meanwhile, Charak, directed by Sheiladitya Moulik and produced by Sudipto Sen, is set to make waves for its haunting exploration of blind faith and human sacrifice rooted in Bengal’s Charak Puja ritual. A deeply unsettling but necessary social commentary, the film reflects the bold, confrontational spirit of new Indian filmmakers.
Anupam Kher’s Tanvi: The Great, featuring an international and Indian ensemble including Iain Glen, Boman Irani, and Jackie Shroff, will have its world premiere at the Marché du Film, the industry segment of the festival. Marking Kher’s directorial debut, the film brings together a compelling mix of cultures, perspectives, and talent.
Young Voices and Global Recognition
Payal Kapadia, who garnered acclaim for A Night of Knowing Nothing, breaks further ground as she joins the main competition jury, becoming one of the few Indian filmmakers to hold such an honour. Joining a panel led by Juliette Binoche and featuring Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, Kapadia represents the rising intellectual force of Indian cinema.
Nitanshi Goel, just 16, becomes the youngest Indian actress to walk the Cannes red carpet after her widely praised performance in Laapataa Ladies. Her invitation to the festival reflects the global appreciation of India’s fresh talent. Meanwhile, Shalini Passi, art patron and actor, will walk the carpet alongside artist Paresh Maity, symbolizing a confluence of contemporary Indian art and cinema in their collaboration Longitude 77.
Adding to the diversity of India’s cinematic voice, A Doll Made Up of Clay, directed by Ethiopian student Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, has been selected for the La Cinef section. The 23-minute film is the only Indian entry in this category, reinforcing the significance of international student filmmaking collaborations.
India’s Footprint at Cannes Grows Deeper
As the French Riviera comes alive with cinematic brilliance, India continues to make its presence felt through red carpet glamour, restored classics, bold films, and youthful voices. Whether through Satyajit Ray’s timeless frames or the debut works of the next generation, Cannes 2025 reflects a strong Indian footprint that is as stylish as it is substantive.
