The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is underway, with global cinema’s finest making their presence felt.
India is shining on the red carpet, with Aishwarya Rai, Janhvi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari in attendance, alongside industry veterans like Anupam Kher. However, one notable absence has drawn attention: Tollywood is missing in action.
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Despite being one of India’s biggest and fastest-growing film industries, Telugu cinema had no films, premieres, or representatives at the world’s most prestigious film festival.
In contrast, Bollywood showcased four films, including indie entries like Laapataa Ladies, proving it understands the power of global platforms beyond just star appearances.
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This is not just about red-carpet glamour. Cannes offers a crucial stage to earn credibility, attract global distributors, and tap into new markets.
For an industry that frequently touts its films as “pan-India” or “pan-world,” Tollywood’s absence at Cannes is both ironic and disappointing. It reflects a missed opportunity for global visibility, critical acclaim, and market expansion.
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The void underscores a larger issue — a lack of strategic vision regarding international recognition. The global success of Baahubali and RRR under S. S. Rajamouli showed what is possible when ambition meets artistry. However, that momentum has not been sustained.
If Tollywood truly wants to go global, it must invest in content that resonates beyond domestic borders. The industry needs to build relationships with international festivals, understand global storytelling trends, and elevate its creative ambitions.
Cannes 2025 may be a missed opportunity, but it serves as a wake-up call. Tollywood’s path to festivals like Berlin, Venice, and Toronto remains open. What’s needed now is vision — one that looks beyond domestic applause and embraces the global stage.
