Cannes [France], May 13: The Cannes Film Festival 2025 opened today with a notable Indian presence, showcasing a diverse mix of classic cinema, debut features, and experimental storytelling. From a restored Satyajit Ray masterpiece to Anupam Kher’s latest directorial venture, Indian films are poised to captivate global audiences at one of cinema’s most prestigious stages.
🇮🇳 Indian Films at Cannes 2025
🎬 Aranyer Din Ratri – A Restored Ray Classic
Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) is set for a special screening. The Film Heritage Foundation restored the film in 4K in collaboration with The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, L’Immagine Ritrovata, Janus Films, and The Criterion Collection.
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and other cast members including Simi Garewal will attend the screening, celebrating a cinematic milestone on the global stage.
🎥 Tanvi The Great – Anupam Kher Returns to Direction
Veteran actor Anupam Kher returns as a director with Tanvi The Great, which will premiere at Cannes on May 17 ahead of its theatrical release.
The film stars Karan Tacker, along with Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, and Iain Glen (of Game of Thrones fame). Kher, who has already arrived in Cannes, expressed excitement about showcasing the film on a global platform.
🏡 Homebound – Cannes Debut for Janhvi & Ishaan
Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, has been selected for the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category — a section known for artistic and innovative storytelling. This marks both actors’ Cannes debut and is expected to spotlight their global acting potential.
🔱 Charak – A Deep Dive into Ritual and Faith
Directed by Sheiladitya Moulik, Charak explores the ritualistic Charak Puja of Bengal and delves into the theme of blind faith. The film’s unique cultural perspective is expected to resonate with the festival’s international audience.
🪆 A Doll Made Up Of Clay – Student Film at La Cinef
SRFTI’s short film A Doll Made Up Of Clay, directed by Ethiopian student Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, has been selected for the La Cinef section — which recognizes outstanding student filmmakers worldwide. The 23-minute film will represent India’s emerging talent in cinema education.
🎥 Cannes’ Renewed Influence on Awards Season
While Cannes had seen its awards-season impact dip in recent years, its stature is resurging. Films like Triangle of Sadness (2022) and Anatomy of a Fall (2023) emerged as Oscar contenders after debuting at Cannes, re-establishing the festival as a crucial platform for award-worthy cinema.
This year’s edition, running from May 13 to May 24, promises a fusion of cinematic excellence and French Riviera glamour, with India playing a significant role in the storytelling landscape.