The 78th edition of the esteemed Cannes Film Festival is about to commence in just a few hours. This festival offers a global stage for filmmakers worldwide to present an array of films, whether for screening or competition. Continuing its tradition from the previous year, India is poised to make a significant impact at this illustrious event. Here’s a glimpse of the Indian films that will feature at Cannes 2025.
Indian Films at Cannes 2025
Homebound
Neeraj Ghaywan’s second film, Homebound, will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025. The film features Ishan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in prominent roles, with the leading cast expected to attend the premiere.
Iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese has taken on the role of executive producer for Homebound.
Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, the film also benefits from the co-production efforts of Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier.
Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest)
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 will also spotlight Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic, Aranyer Din Ratri, featuring Soumitra Chatterjee and Sharmila Tagore, in a 4K restored version under the Classics section.
This restoration utilized the original camera and sound negatives preserved by producer Purnima Dutta.
The premiere will be introduced by acclaimed American filmmaker Wes Anderson, who has long admired Satyajit Ray’s work.
Attending the screening will be Dutta, Sharmila Tagore, Margaret Bodde (executive director of The Film Foundation), and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder of Film Heritage Foundation (FHF).
A Doll Made Up of Clay
Cannes 2025 will also feature A Doll Made Up of Clay, produced by the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). Written and directed by Ethiopian SRFTI student Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, this 23-minute film has been selected for the La Cinef section, which honors student filmmakers globally, making it the sole Indian entry in this category.
Tesfay remarked, “This deeply personal narrative conveys the journey of dreamers who face new challenges, ultimately reshaping their identities. Cannes is a celebration of resilience and untold stories.”
Tanvi The Great
Anupam Kher has made his directorial debut with Tanvi: The Great, which will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Market (Marché du Film).
The creators announced on social media, “WORLD PREMIERE! Global actor @anupampkher’s directorial endeavor TANVI THE GREAT is set to shine on the global stage! Making its screening debut at the @mdf_cannes, this marks not just a moment, but the beginning of a global journey.”
This film is described as an emotional and inspiring tale with profound significance.
Charak (Fear of Faith)
Sudipto Sen’s Charak draws on Bengal’s ancient Charak Puja ritual, addressing themes of blind faith. The film delves into grim rituals of child sacrifice and the occult associated with this festival. Its core focus is the struggle between faith and humanity, offering social commentary that positions it as a potential standout at this year’s Cannes festival.
The film is helmed by Sheiladitya Moulik.
The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025, with several Bollywood stars, including Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, gracing the red carpet.
