The World Watches: India’s Unprecedented Impact at Cannes 2025!!

Cannes 2025 just went full beast mode and we are LIVING for it. From jaw-dropping red carpet fits to films that had legends like Martin Scorsese fangirling, this year’s French Riviera takeover by Indian cinema is straight-up iconic. If you thought last year was big, wait till you see who’s making history, who’s debuting, and which films are getting standing ovations (yes, plural). Let’s get into the tea, the triumphs, and the total slayage that was India at Cannes 2025.

The Homebound Hype: Nine-Minute Standing Ovation, Scorsese Vibes & Gen Z Power!

Let’s start with the film that had Cannes buzzing—Homebound. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (the mastermind behind Masaan), this film didn’t just screen, it shook the Un Certain Regard section. Picture this: a rural North Indian setting, two childhood friends (played by Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter) chasing dreams, facing class divides, and serving up performances so real, the audience legit cried. Nine minutes of standing ovation, y’all. NINE. That’s longer than most of us can hold a plank.

Also Read: A Saree for Cannes: A Tribute to Heritage and Modernity!

And here’s the plot twist—Martin Scorsese (yes, that Scorsese) came on board as executive producer. He called it a “significant contribution to Indian cinema.” If that doesn’t scream global impact, what does? Oh, and the cast? Ishaan Khatter in a velvet maroon bandhgala, Janhvi Kapoor in a custom couture moment, and Vishal Jethwa keeping it sharp. Even Karan Johar got emotional. If you missed their group hug, you missed history.

Legends Return: Aranyer Din Ratri & The Nostalgia Overload!

Cannes Classics this year was basically a love letter to Indian cinema’s OGs. Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) came back in 4K glory, and the nostalgia was real. Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal—actual icons—walked the carpet for the screening. Wes Anderson (yep, the quirky Hollywood director) introduced the film, calling it a “timeless study of self-discovery.” The crowd? Standing ovation, obviously. It’s giving legacy, it’s giving timeless, it’s giving “India invented cinema, actually”.

Nitanshi Goel: The Gen Z Tribute Queen

Nitanshi Goel, fresh off the Laapataa Ladies wave, didn’t just make a Cannes debut—she made a statement. Forget basic gowns; Nitanshi said, “Let’s serve culture!” and showed up in a stunning lehenga saree that had the internet shook. But the real showstopper? Her hairpiece: a pearl-embellished masterpiece featuring miniature portraits of Indian cinema legends like Nargis, Madhubala, and Sridevi. It wasn’t just fashion; it was a love letter to Bollywood’s golden era. Nitanshi’s look was instantly viral, with fans and film buffs calling it “the ultimate tribute.” She proved that Gen Z can honor the past while serving future-forward style. The message? Indian cinema’s legacy is alive, thriving, and ready for its next chapter.

Alia Bhatt: The Anticipation Queen!

When it comes to red carpet buzz, nobody does it like Alia Bhatt. This year, she was all set to make her much-awaited Cannes debut as a L’Oréal ambassador. The hype? Off the charts. Social media was basically counting down the seconds to her appearance, with #AliaAtCannes trending days before the festival even started. Fashion insiders speculated about which designer she’d choose, fans made prediction threads, and even international press was watching closely. While her debut was postponed due to ongoing diplomatic tensions, the anticipation hasn’t died down. If anything, it’s grown—because when Alia finally does step onto that Cannes carpet, you know it’s going to be a global fashion moment. Stay tuned, because this queen’s grand entrance is still loading.

Aastha Gill: The Pop Diva Goes Global!

Aastha Gill, the voice behind bops like “DJ Wale Babu” and “Buzz,” brought her signature energy straight to the Croisette. Making her Cannes debut, Aastha didn’t just walk the red carpet—she owned it. Dressed in a shimmering, star-studded ensemble that perfectly blended desi glam with pop diva vibes, she turned heads and made headlines. Her look was all about bold confidence, echoing her music’s unapologetic spirit. Aastha’s presence at Cannes is a big win for Indian music, signaling that our pop stars are ready to take on global stages not just with their voices, but with their style and attitude. She’s proof that music and movies are two sides of the same red carpet coin.

Shalini Passi: The Art World Trailblazer!

Shalini Passi, known for her work as an artist, philanthropist, and a star of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, brought a whole new flavor to Cannes. Making her debut, Shalini was all about blending high art with high fashion. Her look? Think avant-garde meets Indian heritage unique, bold, and conversation-starting. As a champion for contemporary Indian art, her presence at Cannes spotlighted the growing intersection of cinema, art, and culture. Shalini’s debut is more than just a fashion moment; it’s about putting Indian creativity on the global map, proving that our influence goes way beyond Bollywood.

Payal Kapadia: From Grand Prix Queen to Jury Boss!

Last year, Payal Kapadia made history as the first Indian to win the Grand Prix for All We Imagine As Light. This year? She’s on the other side of the table as a member of the main competition jury, sitting alongside Halle Berry and Juliette Binoche. Name a bigger flex—we’ll wait.

Student Power: A Doll Made Up of Clay & The Rise of SRFTI!

Let’s talk about the future—because Indian student filmmakers are not here to play. A Doll Made Up of Clay, a short by Ethiopian director Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay and produced by Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), made it to La Cinef. The story? A Nigerian footballer in India, navigating shattered dreams and finding new meaning. It’s cross-cultural, it’s emotional, and it’s proof that Indian film schools are global launchpads now.

Red Carpet Royalty: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Her Couture Legacy!

What’s Cannes without a little (okay, a LOT) of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan magic? The OG queen of the Croisette just made her jaw-dropping 22nd appearance at the festival, and let’s just say—she’s still setting the gold standard for red carpet royalty. For her first look, Aishwarya stunned in a regal white-and-gold Banarasi sari, complete with a bold sindoor and a statement ruby necklace. The vibe? Timeless elegance meets unapologetic Indian pride. The internet went wild, and fashion critics called it a “masterclass in heritage couture.” Her red carpet reign? Still undefeated.

Fun Facts & Firsts: Did You Know?

• Homebound is the first contemporary Indian film ever backed by Martin Scorsese as executive producer.
• Sharmila Tagore’s return to Cannes for Aranyer Din Ratri’s restoration was introduced by Wes Anderson himself.
• Payal Kapadia is only the second Indian woman to serve on the Cannes main competition jury, after Vidya Balan.
• SRFTI’s A Doll Made Up of Clay is making waves for both India and Africa on the global stage.
• Nitanshi Goel’s hairpiece tribute to Indian cinema legends? Instant viral moment.

The Vibe Check: Why Cannes 2025 Was a Cultural Reset for India!

From emotional films and global collabs to red carpet slay and historic jury seats, Cannes 2025 was Indian cinema’s mic drop moment. Whether you’re here for the movies, the fits, or the sheer energy, one thing’s clear: Indian creators are not just attending—they’re rewriting the script.

So, next time someone asks, “What’s the big deal about Cannes?”—just send them this article. Because this year, India didn’t just show up. We showed OUT.

Priyanka Content Writer

Crafting narratives that ignite. Writer, strategist, and quirk aficionado.

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Priyanka Yadav