Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has spoken out against what he described as India’s growing obsession with the red carpet appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, arguing that the essence of the prestigious global event is being overshadowed by glamour-driven coverage and celebrity visibility rather than serious engagement with cinema.
Speaking in a candid conversation with film critic Sucharita Tyagi, Kashyap said that Cannes is fundamentally a film festival designed for screenings, artistic exchange, and industry collaboration, but in India it is often reduced to a spectacle centred around red carpet appearances. He noted that this perception undermines the purpose of the festival, which is to celebrate and critically engage with films from across the world.
In his remarks, Kashyap said, “In India, the problem and obsession with Cannes is only to walk the red carpet. They don’t understand that there is a festival, and the purpose of it is beyond the red carpet.” He stressed that the event is structured around films, not fashion moments, and that excessive focus on celebrity appearances distorts its cultural significance.
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The filmmaker further explained that his own low-profile presence at the festival’s opening day was intentional. According to him, he prefers entering discreetly rather than seeking attention through public appearances. “Hum log side se chale jaate hain,” he said, indicating that he often avoids the spotlight while attending international festivals.
Kashyap also pointed to what he described as systemic issues in how some Indian productions approach global festivals like Cannes. He said that misinformation, lack of planning, and delays from producers often result in missed opportunities for Indian films to be properly showcased or even considered for official sections of the festival. He added that such inefficiencies can cost filmmakers valuable international exposure despite having strong creative work.
He further observed that many Indian attendees at Cannes, particularly those participating in the film market segment, do not actively engage with screenings or the broader cinematic discourse. According to him, this limited engagement reflects a gap in understanding the festival’s core purpose, which is to watch, discuss, and evaluate films from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds.
Kashyap emphasised that Cannes should be seen as a serious global platform for cinema rather than a promotional or fashion event. He said the true value of the festival lies in its ability to connect filmmakers, critics, and audiences through storytelling and artistic expression, something he feels is often overlooked in Indian coverage of the event.
On the professional front, Kashyap’s most recent release was the 2025 film Nishaanchi, which premiered directly on a streaming platform. He is also associated with the upcoming film Bandar, featuring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, which is scheduled for a theatrical release in June. The filmmaker has also appeared in recent projects as an actor, including Dacoit: A Love Story, further expanding his presence across different roles in the film industry.
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