The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival 2025 is set to begin in just a few hours at French Reviera. Known for bringing together filmmakers from around the world, the festival offers a global stage for screening and competing films. Just like last year, India is once again ready to make a strong impression. Here’s a look at the Indian films that will be showcased at Cannes 2025.
Aranyer Din Ratri
Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’, starring Soumitra Chatterjee and Sharmila Tagore, will be screened at Cannes 2025 in the Classics section. The film will be presented in a newly restored 4K version, created using the original camera and sound negatives carefully preserved by producer Purnima Dutta.
Homebound
Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s second feature film, ‘Homebound’, has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025. The film features Ishan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, and the actors are expected to attend the premiere. Adding international prestige, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has joined the project as executive producer. ‘Homebound’ is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier.
Tanvi The Great
Anupam Kher makes his directorial debut with ‘Tanvi: The Great’, which is set to have its world premiere at the March du Film (Cannes Film Market) during the Cannes Film Festival 2025. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Shubhangi Dutt, Iain Glen, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, and Nassar.
Charak
Sudipto Sen’s film ‘Charak‘, directed by Sheiladitya Moulik, draws its narrative from the traditional Charak Puja ritual of Bengal and explores the theme of blind faith. The film deals with dark practices such as child sacrifice and occult rituals associated with the festival. At its core, ‘Charak’ is a powerful social commentary on the conflict between faith and humanity.
A Doll Made Up Of Clay
The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) production ‘A Doll Made Up of Clay’ will be showcased at Cannes 2025. Written and directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student at SRFTI, the 23-minute film has been selected for the prestigious La Cinef section, which highlights the work of student filmmakers from across the globe. It is also the only Indian entry in this category.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025. As always, the red carpet will see a strong presence of Indian talent. Celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal, Anupam Kher, Jacqueline Fernandez, Payal Kapadia, Shalini Passi, Ishaan Khattar, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jetwa, Parul Gulati and director Neeraj Ghaywan are expected to attend.