As the red carpet rolled out at Cannes Film Festival 2025, Indian cinema is set to grab the spotlight. From exciting new storytellers to the return of a timeless classic, five Indian films are turning heads on the global stage. Here’s a closer look at five Indian films that are standing tall among global contenders at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Indian films at Cannes 2025
Homebound
A standout in this year’s Un Certain Regard category, Homebound marks director Neeraj Ghaywan’s much-anticipated return to the festival circuit. Backed by producer Karan Johar, the film stars Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, with Vishal Jethwa in a pivotal role. In a significant international development, acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese has joined the project as executive producer—an endorsement that brings global prestige to the film.
Homebound follows a newlywed couple journeying to a rural estate to reconnect with the husband’s estranged family. Their visit takes a disturbing turn as they confront the disappearance of his former wife and unsettling behavior from the children.
Sharing her gratitude on social media, Kapoor wrote, “An honour beyond words. Thank you, @martinscorsese_, for guiding HOMEBOUND with the grace and insight of a true master. Your support means the world to us.”
Check out the post here:
Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest)
Satyajit Ray’s timeless 1970 classic returns to Cannes in pristine form, following a meticulous restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation. The film is set to receive its world premiere at the festival, a celebration of both cinematic history and cultural preservation.
The plot centers on four friends seeking respite from city life in the forests of Palamau, only to find their introspective journey laced with revelations and self-discovery.
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who played one of the leads in the original film, will grace the Cannes event. The presentation will also feature American director Wes Anderson, actress Simi Garewal, Margaret Bodde of The Film Foundation, members of producer Purnima Dutta’s family, and cinema preservationists Peter Becker and Fumiko Takagi.
Tanvi: The Great
Directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher, Tanvi: The Great is slated for its world premiere at the Marché du Film, the industry-focused segment of the Cannes Film Festival. This emotional drama follows Col. Pratap Raina as he grapples with grief and transformation following a life-altering personal loss. The narrative introduces Tanvi, a character who brings color, chaos, and clarity into his life, embodying themes of resilience and rediscovery.
In a celebratory post, the makers shared: “WORLD PREMIERE! Global actor @anupampkher’s directorial venture TANVI THE GREAT ready to shine on the world stage! Making its screening debut at the @mdf_cannes, this is more than a moment; it’s the beginning of a global journey.”
A Doll Made Up of Clay
Representing the next generation of cinematic voices, A Doll Made Up of Clay has been selected for the La Cinef section at Cannes, which showcases work from leading international film schools. Created by Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), the short film delves into themes of identity, displacement, and spiritual healing.
The story centers on a young Nigerian footballer in India whose dreams are crushed by a career-ending injury. As he confronts despair, he turns to his cultural roots in search of meaning and recovery. The film is produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle, with Uma Kumari as executive producer.
Charak
Bringing cultural introspection to the fore, Shieladitya Moulik’s Charak explores the intense ritual of Charak Puja—a traditional Bengali festival steeped in devotion and physical endurance. With an ensemble cast led by Anjali Patil, Sahidur Rahaman, Subrat Dutta, and others, the film presents a stark examination of blind faith and the human condition.