77th-cannes-film-festival-7-indian-films-set-to-premiere-and-shine-on-the-global-stage

Indian cinema has consistently made its mark at the Cannes Film Festival, whether through the films being screened or the inclusion of Bollywood celebrities on the juries over the years. Additionally, Bollywood stars have often graced the iconic red carpet in stunning outfits that regularly make the Best Dressed lists worldwide.

 

The 77th Cannes Film Festival will feature numerous Indian celebrities and online influencers walking the red carpet, each representing the country in their unique way. Notably, this year’s festival marks an unprecedented number of Indian films premiering at the event, with many competing for prestigious awards.

 

1. All We Imagine As Light

Directed by Payal Kapadia, "All We Imagine As Light" has been nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This drama, set in Mumbai, centers around Pratibha, a nurse whose life is thrown into turmoil by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Meanwhile, her roommate Anu struggles to find a private place in the city to be intimate with her boyfriend. Their quest for space leads them on a journey where they eventually discover a place to fulfill their desires. The film, an Indo-French co-production, stars Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha and will be screened at the festival on May 23.

 

 

2. Santosh

 

Directed and written by Sandhya Suri, "Santosh" has been nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award. Set in rural North India, the film follows Santosh, a young widow who inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable through a government scheme. Her life takes a dramatic turn when the body of a raped and murdered girl is discovered. Santosh becomes involved in the investigation, working under the guidance of Inspector Sharma, a charismatic feminist.

 

3. Sunflowers Were The First Ones to Know

 

"Sunflowers Were The Best Ones To Know," a film created by four students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, has been selected for the competition in the La Cinef section. Directed by Chidanand S. Naik, this 16-minute short film tells the story of an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing chaos in the community. To retrieve the rooster, a prophecy must be invoked, leading to the exile of the old lady’s family.

 

4. Manthan

 

The 1976 Hindi film "The Churning," a classic by Shyam Benegal, has been restored and is set to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The story, co-written by Verghese Kurien and Shyam Benegal, follows Dr. Rao, a young veterinary surgeon who initiates a pioneering milk cooperative movement in a village. The film stars Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, and Smita Patil in the lead roles.

 

5. Sister Midnight

 

Written and directed by Karan Kandhari, "Sister Midnight" tells the story of an arranged marriage that descends into darkness. The wife, portrayed by Radhika Apte, grapples with the challenges of married life in Mumbai, ultimately transforming into a ruthless, feral force driven by her desire for revenge. This dramatic comedy is scheduled to be screened on May 19.

 

6. The Shameless

 

Konstantin Bojanov’s romantic crime thriller has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category. The film follows an Indian sex worker who confronts her past on a pilgrimage, challenging the age-old traditions that have kept her in sex work. Her forbidden love affair with Renuka becomes her path to freedom. The cast includes Indian and Nepali actors Auroshikha Dey, Omara, Anasuya Sengupta, and Mita Vashisht.

 

7. In the Retreat

 

"In the Retreat," directed by Maisam Ali, has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Sidebar Programme ACID (Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema). The film follows a nomad from Ladakh, played by Harish Khanna, who returns home after many years. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and home, highlighting the diversity of Ladakh.