The prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2026 has officially begun on the French Riviera, bringing together some of the biggest names from global cinema, fashion and entertainment. The grand festival, considered one of the world’s most celebrated cultural and film events, started on May 12 and will continue till May 23 in Cannes, France. This year too, India has made a strong impression at the international event with the presence of several Bollywood celebrities, regional cinema representatives and filmmakers.

Among the biggest highlights from India was actress Alia Bhatt, who attended the opening ceremony as the global ambassador of L’Oréal Paris. Alia’s appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the red carpet. She was seen wearing a custom-designed Tamara Ralph gown that featured soft pastel shades and a dramatic silhouette. Her look was completed with minimal jewellery and a long chiffon drape, blending western fashion with a subtle Indian touch.

Photos and videos of Alia from the red carpet instantly went viral on social media, with fans praising her elegant appearance and graceful styling. Fashion critics also appreciated the floral-inspired detailing and corset-style design of her gown. Styled by celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor, Alia’s Cannes debut this year has been widely appreciated by international fashion observers.

Actress Urvashi Rautela also grabbed attention with her extravagant outfit designed by Vietnamese designer Joli Poli. Known for her bold fashion choices, Urvashi once again managed to create buzz on social media with her dramatic red carpet appearance. Her heavily embellished gown became a topic of discussion among fashion enthusiasts and internet users alike.

Apart from Alia and Urvashi, several Indian celebrities are expected to walk the Cannes red carpet this year, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Mouni Roy, Aditi Rao Hydari, Tara Sutaria and social media personality Ehsaas Channa. Tara Sutaria is reportedly making her Cannes debut this year, adding more excitement among Indian fans.

Meanwhile, Indian regional cinema is also making a strong mark at Cannes 2026. Several regional films from Punjabi, Malayalam, Gujarati and Marathi cinema are being showcased at the festival. One of the major highlights is the screening of the Indo-American film “Bombay Stories,” directed by Rahat Shah Kazmi. The film is based on stories inspired by legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto and revolves around the lives of sex workers in 1930s Bombay.

Another significant moment for Indian cinema is the screening of the 40-year-old Malayalam classic “Amma Ariyan” in the festival’s classical segment. The film remains one of the most respected works in Indian parallel cinema and its inclusion at Cannes is being seen as a proud moment for Malayalam film lovers.

Punjabi actor and singer Ammy Virk is also set to attend the screening of his film “Chaardiklaa,” while Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram’s “Balan: The Boy” will be screened during the festival. Gujarati cinema too has made its presence felt through the film “Lalo: Krishna Sada Sahyate.”

India’s participation at Cannes this year is not limited to films and celebrities. Acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who won major recognition at previous editions of Cannes, has been selected as a jury member in the Critics’ Week category. Director Ashutosh Gowariker is also attending the festival as part of India’s official delegation.

Interestingly, this year’s Cannes participation has also been influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal regarding fuel conservation and reduced unnecessary travel. Following the appeal, Maharashtra’s cultural department decided not to send an official delegation to Cannes this year. Officials stated that virtual participation and online meetings would be encouraged to support fuel-saving initiatives.

The Cannes Film Festival is not only famous for cinema but also for its strict fashion and red carpet rules. Organizers have reportedly continued their controversial dress code guidelines, under which female guests are expected to wear heels on the red carpet. Large handbags and casual slippers are also prohibited during official appearances. The rule has sparked debate in the past, with several Hollywood actresses openly protesting against mandatory high heels.

Beyond glamour and fashion, Cannes carries a rich historical legacy. The festival was originally started as an alternative to the Venice Film Festival during a period when political influence dominated award selections in Europe. Over the decades, Cannes evolved into the most prestigious global platform for cinema and artistic expression.

India also shares a deep connection with the festival. Legendary filmmaker Chetan Anand’s film “Neecha Nagar” became the first Indian movie to win the prestigious Palme d’Or award decades ago — a record that remains unmatched even today. Over the years, several Indian films such as “Pather Panchali,” “Salaam Bombay,” “Do Bigha Zamin” and “The Lunchbox” have earned global recognition at Cannes.

As Cannes 2026 continues over the coming days, fans across the world are eagerly waiting for more celebrity appearances, film premieres and major award announcements. With Indian stars dominating headlines and regional cinema receiving international attention, this year’s festival has once again become a proud moment for Indian entertainment on the global stage.

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