Indian cinema is having a landmark moment at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, as multiple Indian films and filmmakers have received international acclaim, further cementing India's growing influence on the global film circuit.
🌟 Highlights of Indian
Representation at Cannes 2025
This year’s Cannes has seen a strong presence from India,
with three major films drawing significant critical attention:
🎬 1. All We Imagine As Light by Payal Kapadia
Category: Official Competition
Language: Malayalam, Hindi
Director: Payal Kapadia
Highlight: First Indian film in nearly 30 years to be selected in the main competition at Cannes.
“Cannes has helped this film gain not just visibility, but
viability for release back home,” said Kapadia in an interview.
🎬 2. Tanvi The Great
Category: Un Certain Regard
Language: Hindi
Director: Rahul Saini
Synopsis: A young girl from rural Bihar becomes a viral sensation through her passion for traditional dance and storytelling.
Reception: Applauded for its honest portrayal of rural India
and emotional storytelling.
🎬 3. Homebound
Category: Directors' Fortnight
Language: Marathi
Director: Kavya Nair
Synopsis: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of urban migration and generational conflict.
Buzz: Touted as one of the most emotionally resonant films
at this year's festival.
🏆 Why Cannes 2025 Is a
Big Deal for Indian Cinema
Mainstream Recognition: For the first time in decades, Indian narratives are competing at the highest level with global cinema.
Diverse Storytelling: These films reflect India’s linguistic and cultural diversity—from Maharashtra’s middle class to Bihar’s folklore.
Female Filmmakers Rising: Both All We Imagine As Light and
Homebound are helmed by women, signaling a powerful shift in the creative
landscape.
🌍 International Critics
Praise Indian Entries
Critics from Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Le Monde have lauded the Indian entries for their authenticity, emotional depth, and cinematic craft.
“India has arrived not just with spectacle but with soul,” —
The Guardian’s Cannes 2025 Review
📈 What This Means for
Indian Cinema
Increased Global Distribution: Streaming giants like Netflix and MUBI are reportedly in talks to acquire Indian titles from the festival.
Oscar Buzz: All We Imagine As Light is now being touted as a potential contender for India's official submission to the Oscars 2026.
Domestic Interest: The Cannes success has triggered renewed
interest among Indian producers and distributors to back more independent,
content-driven films.
🔚 Conclusion
Cannes 2025 has become a historic moment for Indian cinema,
not just for the number of films showcased but for the bold, heartfelt
storytelling that resonated with global audiences. As India celebrates 75 years
of independence, its filmmakers are proving that cinema can be both rooted and
revolutionary.

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