This year, India has truly won at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival! From renowned writer-director Payal Kapadia serving as a jury member to the international premiere of Satyajit Ray’s classic, ‘Aranyer Diner Raatri’, it is truly a wonderful time to be Indian at Cannes! Sharmila Tagore, along with Bollywood icon Simi Grewal, has attended the premiere spearheaded by Wes Anderson. What’s more? An Indian homegrown film, coincidentally called ‘Homebound’, received a record 9-minute standing ovation at Cannes! This film – helmed by renowned filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Jahnvi Kapoor, Ishan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa – is already a celebrated work of art at Cannes! And last but not least, the Queen of Cannes – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – dons her most elegant look yet at the Cannes Festival Red Carpet!
Need the scoop on India at Cannes- here are the top moments from Cannes!
Homebound movie – Indian movie gets a 9-minute standing ovation!
The world premiere of "Homebound" by Neeraj Ghaywan at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival was a moment of national pride for Indian film. The film, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa got a standing ovation, lasting for nine minutes, captivated audiences worldwide. It was a watershed moment since it was the only Indian feature film shown at the 2025 edition. The whole staff was evidently moved by the enthusiastic reaction. As the acclaim became louder, Ishaan Khatter couldn't help but smile, applaud, and warmly embrace co-star Vishal Jethwa. Janhvi Kapoor was pulled into a sincere group embrace by director Neeraj Ghaywan, who quickly joined in. The filmmaker's and the leading performers' genuine connection and passion conveyed the authenticity of the scene. Producer Karan Johar, visibly affected by the film's reaction, watched from behind while wiping away tears.
Along with Janhvi, her sister Khushi Kapoor and her boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya were seen in the crowd, applauding loudly as the song "Bravo" resounded around the venue. Homebound is an emotionally wrenching drama film about two childhood friends from a remote North Indian hamlet who, in the hope of achieving the respect and dignity they deserve in the police force, pursue a career in it.
Aishwarya at Cannes
It is Aishwarya’s world, and we are just living in it! This year, the queen of Cannes made a stunning sartorial statement on the red carpet! In 2025, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her 22nd appearance on the red carpet at the Cannes Festival Red Carpet. She has been a staple at the event since her debut in 2002. She carried on the family heritage of sharing this international stage with her daughter, Aaradhya, when she arrived. This year, Aishwarya commanded attention with her stunning traditional ivory and gold ensemble, adorned with jewels that exuded an imperial grace. Her fiery sindoor, a crown-like emblem of Indian heritage, was the focal point of her hairstyle. The ensemble, which combined elegance with majesty, was rounded off by her flowing hair, deep crimson lipstick, and multi-layered necklaces.
Wearing a cape-style dupatta and an ensemble bedecked with intricate embroidery, she celebrated her Indian heritage while establishing herself as a leading fashion figure on a worldwide scale. Again, Aishwarya demonstrated that she does more than just follow trends; she creates them. Preliminary reviews had her performance as one of the most talked-about highlights of Cannes 2025, further solidifying her place in history as a legendary figure in Bollywood and a global icon of enduring flair.
Janhvi Kapoor makes a dream debut at Cannes
Janhvi Kapoor graced the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of her new film Homebound, which co-stars Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter. The actor commanded attention with a corset and skirt designed by Tarun Tahiliani, crafted from genuine Benaras tissue. The fabric gains volume and depth from the texture, which is created by hand-crushing. An uncut hem, left raw and unpolished to retain the originality of the weave, completes the outfit designed by Rhea Kapoor. The outfit is complemented by a classic TT drape.
Kapoor and the designer were both open to trying new things. This feminine pink number is reminiscent of a contemporary lehenga, with its form-fitting corset and full, intricately pleated skirt that ends in a dramatic train. A ghoonghat-like arrangement of sculptured pleats and an integrated dupatta-like drape cascade elegantly over her shoulder. A beautiful flower garland was the perfect romantic accent, while layered pearl necklaces and matching earrings gave it an antique feel. Kapoor achieved a harmonious blend of vintage and contemporary elements by finishing the look with a sleek bun, dewy pink cheeks, and a classic winged liner.
It would be the perfect premiere for Janhvi Kapoor at this year's Cannes Film Festival. With her debut at the legendary event, the young Bollywood actress made quite an impression, establishing herself as a formidable fashion force. Following her previous appearance in a delicate blush pink ethnic costume by Tarun Tahiliani, Janhvi elevated her style with her second red carpet look, an exquisite pistachio green and gold masterpiece by designer Anamika Khanna. But the clothing wasn't the only thing drawing attention. Famous stylist Rhea Kapoor styled Janhvi in a unique combination of traditional gold jewellery, including jadau, jade pieces, hefty bangles, and ear cuffs. The stunning necklace, worn backwards, gracefully slid down her naked back, but that wasn't the showstopper.
Sharmila Tagore attends the screening of the iconic Satyajit Ray film- ‘Aranyer Diner Ratri’
At the current Cannes Film Festival, a showing of Aranyer Din Ratri, a 1970 film by Satyajit Ray, was attended by Wes Anderson, Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal, and other veteran performers. At the 78th edition of the renowned gala, the Cannes Classics section included a 4K restored version of the Bengali-language film Days and Nights in the Forest in English. Wes, a long-time fan of Ray's, presented the film before its screening. In partnership with Janus Films, the Criterion Collection, the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), and The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project at L'Immagine Ritrovata, Aranyer Din Ratri in vibrant 4k. A grant from the Golden Globe Foundation made the occasion a grand event!
Sharmila strutted the red carpet in a lush saree, while her daughter Saba Ali Khan, a jewellery designer, donned an all-yellow ethnic ensemble. The white gown that Simi Garewal wore was designed by the Indian fashion house Karleo.