All about Indian Films to premiere at the prestigious ‘Cannes Film Festival’

As we approach the upcoming Cannes Film Festival in 2023, there is palpable excitement surrounding Indian cinema. This year’s festival promises to showcase a number of compelling Indian films, two of which are particularly noteworthy: Anurag Kashyap’s “Kennedy” and Rahul Roy’s “Agra.” Let’s delve into the details of these films and explore what makes them stand out.

Director Anurag Kashyap’s “Kennedy” has already generated significant buzz ahead of its screening at the festival. The selection of “Kennedy” and “Agra” for the Cannes Film Festival exemplifies the growing recognition and appreciation for Indian cinema. These films present an opportunity to showcase the diverse storytelling and immense talent that Indian filmmakers and actors bring to the table.

With the Cannes Film Festival just around the corner, film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike eagerly anticipate the screening of these Indian films. “Kennedy” and “Agra” are poised to make their mark at the festival, contributing to the rich tapestry of global cinema and further establishing the presence of Indian cinema on the international stage.

Kennedy

Anurag Kashyap’s highly anticipated film, “Kennedy,” has secured a coveted spot in the Midnight Screenings section of the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to take place from May 16 to 27. The official Twitter handle of the festival announced the selection of “Kennedy” in a post back in April, stating, “KENNEDY by Anurag KASHYAP #SeanceDeMinuit / #MidnightScreenings #Cannes2023.” The film features notable actors such as Sunny Leone, Rahul Bhatt, and Abhilash Thapliyal.

“Kennedy,” produced by Zee Studios and Good Bad Films, can be described as a police noir film, exploring the story of an insomniac ex-cop who, despite being presumed dead, continues to operate within a corrupt system while seeking redemption. With Rahul Bhatt and Sunny Leone in the lead roles, the film’s inclusion in the Midnight Screenings at Cannes 2023 signifies its unique and intriguing narrative.

Anurag Kashyap, the director of “Kennedy,” expressed his excitement about exploring this specific genre, stating, “It’s a film and genre I always wanted to explore. It’s more polar than noir, inspired by the crime writing of Patrick Manchette and his comic book collaborations with Jacques Tardi, and the cinema of Melville. It’s also a deeply personal crime/police drama, and I am so grateful to Zee Studios, Shariq, Neeraj, Bhumika, my producers Ranjan, Kabir, and Kavan, as well as my entire team and partners in crime who helped shape it.” Kashyap also acknowledged the dedication of Rahul Bhatt, who dedicated eight months to the project, and Sunny Leone for bravely taking on the challenge. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to Mohit Takalkar for his involvement.

As “Kennedy” prepares to make its highly anticipated debut at the Cannes Film Festival, Kashyap’s vision and the collaborative efforts of the talented cast and crew promise to deliver a memorable and deeply personal crime drama to audiences worldwide.

Agra

Rahul Roy’s eagerly awaited film, “Agra,” is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. The Hindi film, written and directed by Kanu Behl, boasts an impressive production team, including Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, and O28 Films.

“Agra” showcases an ensemble cast led by Rahul Roy, best known for his role in the iconic film “Aashiqui,” making a comeback with this project. The film also features talented actors such as Priyanka Bose, renowned for her performance in the Oscar-nominated film “Lion,” newcomer Mohit Agarwal, Ruhani Sharma, and veteran actors Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha, and Aanchal Goswami in pivotal roles.

At its core, “Agra” delves into the intricate dynamics of sexuality within a family, unraveling the deep fractures that exist in contemporary India, which are rapidly shrinking into compartmentalized spaces filled with dystopian elements.

With its world premiere at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight section, “Agra” is poised to captivate audiences with its exploration of complex themes and compelling storytelling. The film brings together a talented ensemble cast and an acclaimed director, promising a thought-provoking cinematic experience that sheds light on the evolving social fabric of modern India.

Ishanou

This year, the Cannes Film Festival has bestowed a prestigious honor upon Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma’s acclaimed 1990 film, “Ishanou.” The film has been officially selected to be screened at the esteemed Cannes Classic section, where it will have a red-carpet world premiere on May 19, 2023. This restoration of the film marks a significant milestone as it becomes the sole Indian entry to be featured in the Classic Section, which celebrates restored versions of timeless cinematic masterpieces.

“Ishanou” has garnered critical acclaim and awards since its original release, and its inclusion in the Cannes Classic section further solidifies its status as a cinematic gem. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional work of Aribam Syam Sharma as a filmmaker but also underscores the significance and cultural value of Indian cinema on a global scale.

As audiences and industry professionals gather at the Cannes Film Festival, the world premiere of “Ishanou” will captivate viewers and take them on a journey into the artistic and narrative brilliance of Sharma’s vision. This momentous occasion serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the film and positions it among the esteemed company of other restored cinematic classics.

The selection of “Ishanou” in the Cannes Classic section offers a platform to celebrate the film’s legacy and reintroduce it to a new generation of film enthusiasts. As the film takes its place on the Cannes red carpet, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark and reinforce the rich cinematic heritage of Indian filmmaking on the international stage.