While India may not have secured a spot in the main competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, its presence is still being felt across the Croisette in multiple meaningful ways. A year after Payal Kapadia made history with All We Imagine As Light, winning the coveted Palme d’Or, the country’s participation in 2025 has shifted toward other significant categories and contributions. From exciting new screenings to student film recognition, red carpet appearances, and major trailer launches at the Bharat Pavilion — India continues to be part of the festival’s prestigious lineup. The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13 to May 24.
All you need to know about India at Cannes 2025
Payal Kapadia joins the Cannes main competition jury
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who made headlines last year with her Palme d’Or–winning film, is back at Cannes — this time on the other side of the table. She has been invited to serve as a member of the main competition jury. Joining an esteemed panel that includes Halle Berry, Leila Slimani, Alba Rohrwacher, Jeremy Strong, Dieudo Hamadi, Carlos Reygadas, and Hong Sangsoo, the jury is led this year by French actress Juliette Binoche. Kapadia’s inclusion marks another important moment for Indian representation at the highest level of global cinema.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound to Screen in Un Certain Regard
One of the most anticipated Indian entries at Cannes this year is Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, which has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section. Known for his critically acclaimed debut Masaan, Ghaywan returns with this atmospheric drama starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa. The film is scheduled to be screened on May 21.
A major highlight around Homebound was the announcement that iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese joined the project as executive producer. Ghaywan shared his appreciation for Scorsese on social media, acknowledging the legendary director’s mentorship “through the screenplay and multiple rounds of editing.” The film is co-produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Adar Poonawalla, Somen Mishra, Marijke DeSouza, and Melita Toscan du Plantier.
Indian student film competes in La Cinef section
India also finds representation in Cannes’ La Cinef section, with the movie A Doll Made Up of Clay. The La Cinef section highlights works from film schools around the world. A student project from the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) will compete in this category, showcasing the next generation of Indian cinematic talent on a prestigious global platform.
Bharat Pavilion hosts film trailers and launches
The Bharat Pavilion was officially opened at Cannes earlier this week, offering a space for networking, cultural exchange, and showcasing new projects from India. Actor Anupam Kher and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur were present at the opening ceremony. During the event, Kapur also unveiled the poster for the upcoming edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and spoke on the topic India’s Creative Economy: In Cinema and Beyond.
The Pavilion has served as the venue for several trailer launches, especially from the Marathi film industry. Films such as Snow Flower, Sthal – The Match, Khalid Ka Shivaji, and Juna Furniture had their trailers unveiled on Friday. Saturday featured teasers for The Love Ritual by Devendra Jadhav, American Underdog by Vishy Ayyar, and Tanvi: The Great, directed by Anupam Kher. On Sunday, May 18, trailers for Lost and Found in Kumbh, Echoes of Valour, Mahamantra, Bhagodia, and Charak are set to be showcased. Additional launches are planned for Monday, including Murder too Close – Love too Far, Ashva: A White Horse’s Neigh, Sabar Bonda, and Baksho Bondi.
Indian celebrities on the Cannes 2025 red carpet
Sharmila Tagore is returning to Cannes to celebrate the restored screening of Aranyer Din Ratri, a 1970 classic by Satyajit Ray. The film, part of the Cannes Classics section, will be shown in its newly restored version. Tagore, who served on the Cannes jury in 2009, adds a touch of legacy to this year’s red carpet.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes veteran, is once again expected to grace the red carpet as a long-standing ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, continuing her two-decade-long association with the festival.
Jacqueline Fernandez received recognition from the Red Sea Film Foundation as part of its Women in Cinema initiative. Taking to social media, she shared, “Women supporting women and empowering each other in our film industry is what I truly believe in. Thank you so much for making me a part of this imperative and beautiful initiative. Merci.”
Karan Johar will be attending the festival in support of Homebound, which he co-produced.
Aditi Rao Hydari, another regular face at Cannes for L’Oréal Paris, is also expected to appear on the red carpet this year, continuing her annual tradition.
Shannon K, daughter of singer Kumar Sanu, attended the premiere of Mission: Impossible 8 and will be joining the cast of Tanvi: The Great during the festival.
Guneet Monga launches Cannes scholarship for women producers
Award-winning producer Guneet Monga has launched a special initiative at Cannes under the banner of Women in Film India (WIF India), the Indian chapter of the global Women in Film network. The newly announced Cannes Producers’ Scholarship is designed to connect mid-career women producers with global industry leaders at the Marché du Film. Producers Dimpy Agrawal, Rabia Chopra, Tillotama Shome, and Rucha Pathak joined Monga at the announcement, which aims to foster visibility, mentorship, and opportunities for Indian women in cinema.
Indian star debuts at Cannes 2025
Several Indian celebrities are making notable first appearances at the 78th Cannes Film Festival this year, adding new energy and glamour to the red carpet. From seasoned industry names to rising stars, here’s a look at the fresh Indian faces making their debut at Cannes 2025.
Simi Garewal
Veteran actor, director, and talk show host Simi Garewal is all set to return to the Cannes spotlight. This time, she’s attending the festival in celebration of the restored version of Aranyer Din Ratri, the iconic Satyajit Ray film in which she starred. The restored print, a collaborative effort led by Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, and The Film Foundation, is scheduled for a special screening on Monday, May 19. Confirming her appearance, Garewal shared the news through a heartfelt social media post.
Alia Bhatt
After her global recognition in Heart of Stone, Alia Bhatt is set to make her much-anticipated debut at Cannes. The actor’s appearance marks another major international milestone in her career, and fans are eagerly waiting to see her walk the red carpet at the prestigious festival for the first time.
Nitanshi Goel
Laapataa Ladies breakout star Nitanshi Goel also made her Cannes debut this year. Representing L’Oréal Paris, the young actor turned heads on the red carpet this past Friday, adding a youthful charm to India’s presence at the festival.
Shubhangi Dutt
Actor Shubhangi Dutt arrived at Cannes with the team of Tanvi: The Great, in which she plays the lead role. This marks her first appearance at the festival. Prior to this, Dutt walked the red carpet for the world premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, gaining early international attention.
Karan Tacker
Actor Karan Tacker is expected to make his Cannes debut alongside the Tanvi: The Great team. Tacker, who is soon to be seen in the upcoming Prime Video thriller series Bhay, is set to add a stylish presence to India’s Cannes representation this year.
Despite the absence of a main competition entry, India’s presence at Cannes 2025 remains rich, diverse, and deeply engaged — from celebrated filmmakers and rising talents to powerful female voices and industry veterans.