Bharat Pavilion Steals the Spotlight at Cannes 2024: Filmmaker Mustajabuddin Malik

Cannes, May 21, 2024 — The 77th Cannes Film Festival has witnessed an unparalleled showcase of Indian cinema, with an impressive presence of Indian stars and filmmakers gracing the prestigious red carpet. Indian filmmaker Mustajabuddin Malik, renowned for his daring and thought-provoking narratives like ‘Majaz: Life in Poetry,’ Malik has lauded India’s grand presence at this global event, marking it as a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the world stage.

This year, the Cannes Film Festival saw a vibrant representation from India, featuring luminaries such as A.R. Rahman, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Prabhu Deva, Rajpal Yadav, Kiara Advani, Urvashi Rautela, Sobhita Dhulipala, Karishma Gangwal, Sandeep Kartar Singh, Taha Shah Badussha, Rahi Chadda, and Niharika NM, among others. Their participation underscores the rising influence and recognition of Indian talent in the global film industry.

In addition to the star-studded red carpet appearances, several Indian films made their mark at Cannes this year, including Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine as Light’ in the Main Competition, ‘Santosh’ in Un Certain Regard, and ‘Sister Midnight,’ starring the talented Radhika Apte. Adding to the celebration of Indian cinema, Shyam Benegal’s classic ‘Manthan’ was showcased in the Cannes Classics segment, highlighting the enduring legacy of Indian storytelling.

“There is no denying that the Bharat Pavilion has stolen the limelight this year at the Cannes Film Festival,” rejoices Malik. “As Indian cinema continues to gain momentum on the global stage, India’s grand presence at Cannes serves as a beacon of inspiration for artists and filmmakers. The global journey of Indian films and star power underscores the importance of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression in the world of cinema.”

Highlighting this momentous occasion, the poster of Mustajabuddin Malik’s latest film, ‘God Must Die,’ was launched by the legendary Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj at the Bharat Pavilion, which has emerged as a focal point of interest, celebrating the diverse and dynamic landscape of Indian cinema. This year’s participation at Cannes is a testament to the Indian industry’s growing international acclaim and the increasing global demand for Indian stories and talent.

The Cannes Film Festival remains a prestigious platform for filmmakers around the world, and India’s significant representation this year highlights the country’s cinematic excellence and cultural richness. The overwhelming response at Cannes 2024 is not just a victory for Indian cinema but also a powerful statement of its enduring legacy and future potential.