Key Metrics (Cannes 2025):
•Festival Dates:13–24 May 2025
•Indian Films in Official Selection:1 (Homeboundby Neeraj Ghaywan, Un Certain Regard)
•Indian Films in La Cinef (Student Section):1 (A Doll Made Up of Clayby SRFTI)
•Notable Indian Attendees:Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt (Cannes debut)
•Jury Representation:Payal Kapadia (Main Competition Jury Member)
•Market Screening:Tanvi The Greatby Anupam Kher (Marché du Film)
•Honors:Payal Kapadia’sAll We Imagine as Lightwon the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024
A Singular Spotlight: Neeraj Ghaywan’sHomebound
India’s official presence at Cannes 2025 was marked by Neeraj Ghaywan’sHomebound, selected for the Un Certain Regard section. Produced by Dharma Productions, the film delves into themes of familial estrangement and reconciliation. Ghaywan’s return to Cannes underscores the festival’s recognition of Indian narratives that explore complex emotional landscapes.
Emerging Voices:A Doll Made Up of Clayin La Cinef
Representing India’s burgeoning talent,A Doll Made Up of Clay, a student film from the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), was showcased in the La Cinef section. The film narrates the journey of a Nigerian athlete’s cultural adaptation in India, highlighting themes of resilience and identity.
Red Carpet Highlights: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Alia Bhatt
Veteran actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continued her longstanding association with Cannes, gracing the red carpet with her signature elegance. Joining her was Alia Bhatt, making her debut at the festival. Representing L’Oréal Paris, both actresses emphasized the global appeal of Indian cinema and fashion.
Industry Engagement:Tanvi The Greatat Marché du Film
Anupam Kher’s directorial venture,Tanvi The Great, was presented at the Marché du Film, Cannes’ film market. Co-produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the film’s screening aimed to attract international distributors and collaborators, signaling India’s proactive approach to global film markets.
Institutional Representation: Payal Kapadia on the Jury
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, renowned for her documentaryA Night of Knowing Nothing, served on the Main Competition Jury. Her inclusion reflects Cannes’ commitment to diverse perspectives and acknowledges the growing influence of Indian filmmakers on the global stage.
Conclusion: A Strategic Presence with Room for Growth
India’s participation in Cannes 2025, though limited in official selections, showcased a strategic focus on quality storytelling and industry engagement. The presence of films likeHomeboundandA Doll Made Up of Clay, alongside industry stalwarts and emerging talents, underscores a nuanced approach to international cinema. As Indian filmmakers continue to navigate global platforms, their stories resonate with universal themes, paving the way for broader recognition and collaboration.
