The Indian Cinema Lineup At Cannes 2025 Is A Lineup Set To Shine On The Global Stage

Leading the pack is Homebound, director Neeraj Ghaywan’s highly anticipated sophomore feature, selected for the festival’s Un Certain Regard section. Known for its focus on distinctive storytelling and fresh voices in global cinema, this category perfectly suits Ghaywan’s deeply human, layered narratives.

Starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, Homebound is a tale of two childhood friends from a rural North Indian village, driven by a shared dream of joining the police force. But as their journey progresses, desperation and class struggles begin to test their bond. The film’s emotionally nuanced performances have already garnered attention—enhanced by the support of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese.

A timeless gem from Indian cinema is making a return to the global spotlight. Satyajit Ray’s 1970 masterwork Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) is being showcased in the Cannes Classics section, digitally restored in pristine 4K. This section celebrates landmark films and auteurs whose contributions have shaped cinema history.

Set in the forests of Jharkhand, the film follows four friends from Kolkata seeking an escape from urban ennui. Their brief rural retreat evolves into a transformative experience, challenging their worldviews and emotional boundaries. With original cast member Sharmila Tagore attending the premiere, the screening promises to be a nostalgic event for cinephiles around the world.

Making headlines at the Cannes Film Market (Marché du Film) is veteran actor Anupam Kher’s directorial Tanvi The Great. Slated for a special market screening on May 17, the film is positioned to attract international distributors and collaborators.

The emotional drama features Karan Tacker in his theatrical debut, alongside a powerful ensemble cast including Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, and Scottish actor Iain Glen who is best known for Game of Thrones. The film blends cross-cultural elements with a strong emotional core, making it a potential breakout.

In the La Cinef section—reserved for emerging filmmakers from film schools across the globe—comes a thought-provoking short titled A Doll Made Up of Clay. Directed by Ethiopian filmmaker Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay and produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle from Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), the film follows a Nigerian footballer whose dreams are shattered after a career-ending injury in India.

As he struggles to reclaim his identity, he finds solace in the spiritual rituals of his ancestors.This introspective, cross-cultural narrative marks a milestone for both student cinema and the growing impact of Indian film institutions on global storytelling.