1. Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan
Selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, Homebound is a poignant tale of two childhood friends from rural North India aspiring to join the police force. Starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, the film delves into themes of ambition, friendship, and societal pressures. Notably, the film has garnered international attention with Martin Scorsese serving as its executive producer.
2. Aranyer Din Ratri by Satyajit Ray
A restored 4K version of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic, Aranyer Din Ratri, was showcased in the Cannes Classics section. The screening was graced by veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who starred in the original film, celebrating India’s rich cinematic heritage.
3. Tanvi The Great by Anupam Kher
Marking his directorial debut, Anupam Kher presented Tanvi The Great at the Marché du Film. The film, featuring Kher alongside Iain Glen, explores themes of resilience and artistic passion. Its screening at Cannes underscores India’s diverse storytelling prowess.
4. Omlo by Sonu Randeep Choudhury
Making history as Rajasthan’s first film to premiere at Cannes, Omlo narrates the touching story of a 7-year-old boy and a camel, both navigating the challenges of a patriarchal society. The film’s inclusion highlights regional cinema’s growing global footprint.
5. A Doll Made Up of Clay
This student short film, directed by Ethiopian filmmaker Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay and produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle from SRFTI, was featured in La Cinef. Its selection emphasizes the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the cinematic world.
🌟 Indian Celebrities Gracing the Red Carpet
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
A Cannes veteran, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returned to the red carpet, continuing her long-standing association with the festival and captivating audiences with her timeless elegance.
Alia Bhatt
Making her Cannes debut, Alia Bhatt represented L’Oréal Paris as a global ambassador, marking a significant milestone in her international journey.
Nitanshi Goel
At just 17, Nitanshi Goel became the youngest Indian actor to debut at Cannes. Known for her role in Laapataa Ladies, she paid tribute to legendary actresses like Meena Kumari and Madhubala through her red carpet appearance.
Payal Kapadia
After winning the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 for All We Imagine as Light, filmmaker Payal Kapadia returned this year as a member of the main competition jury, highlighting her esteemed position in global cinema.
Mouni Roy
Actress and entrepreneur Mouni Roy made a striking appearance in a Caroline Couture gown, representing Indian cinema with grace and sophistication.
Shalini Passi
Art connoisseur and television personality Shalini Passi debuted at Cannes in a dramatic pink ensemble, reflecting her unique fashion sensibility and artistic flair.
Urvashi Rautela
Urvashi Rautela’s red carpet appearance garnered attention due to a wardrobe mishap, which quickly became a topic of discussion on social media platforms.
🇮🇳 India’s Expanding Footprint at Cannes
Beyond individual achievements, India’s presence at Cannes 2025 signifies a broader narrative of its evolving role in global cinema. From regional films making international debuts to young actors gaining global recognition, India’s cinematic journey is marked by diversity, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling.
