Indian filmmakers must focus on globally resonant storytelling: Palash Dutta debuts at Cannes

Actor, director and LGBTQ+ activist Palash Dutta reflects on his first-ever trip to the Cannes Film Festival — a journey of style, cinema, and sobering insights.

For Palash Dutta, stepping onto the global stage at the Cannes International Film Festival wasn’t just about glamour, it was the manifestation of a long-held dream. “Being at Cannes for the first time ever was a breezy and surreal dream come true — one I had manifested years ago,” he says.

And the dream had substance. He released the trailer of his upcoming short film on Marché du Film website, and showcased the poster of his directorial debut Dance of Joy... Mann Ki Iccha at the Bharat Pavilion. “To be appreciated by stalwarts like Shekhar Kapur, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher and others — I’m thankful and grateful beyond words,” he says.

“I designed every look myself”
Palash made a striking impression with his fashion choices — each ensemble curated, styled, and designed by him. From a tuxedo for the red carpet to a hand-painted Radha-Krishna-themed outfit representing Indian culture, Dutta’s looks were conversation starters. “My outfits created quite a stir. Photographers and festivalgoers stopped me to compliment the thought and effort behind each look — from bohemian vibes to a trench coat printed with Bollywood legends.” He also wore a traditional Bengali dhoti-kurta to the screening of Satyajit Ray’s restored classic Aranyer Din Ratri. But it was meeting Sharmila Tagore that truly left an emotional mark.

“Meeting Sharmila Tagore Ma’am was the highlight of my trip”
“I met my childhood heartthrob Sharmila Tagore ma’am — I can’t describe what I felt,” Dutta recalls. “During the screening, she felt giddy, and I happened to have cookies and dates in my bag. I offered them, and she said she felt better. I spoke to her in Bengali, told her how people said my mother resembled her, and even showed her a photo. That moment will stay with me forever.”



“You need more than a dream to navigate Cannes”
The actor-director is candid about the realities of Cannes. “You must be well-prepared if you’re going as an actor, director, or producer — otherwise, you’ll get lost. I was lucky to have friends who guided me through.” He noticed a shift in the festival’s vibe. “This year, many were there for red carpet moments rather than cinema. Influencers fly in for just 2–3 days for photo ops, while true festival-goers hustle from morning till night.” Palash declares he was among the latter. His daily schedule started at 7 a.m. to register for film screenings, followed by masterclasses, networking, and marketplace pitches. “I attended screenings, including Mission Impossible, and made presentations for my story concepts. I did it all — including attending red carpet events and after-parties.”

“Content is king — but it must resonate globally”
Palash reflects that while Indian cinema has made waves — “Payal Kapadia and Guneet Monga have shown what’s possible” — much more needs to be done. “Indian filmmakers must focus on globally resonant storytelling. Films rooted in the Indian heartland can succeed but only if the themes are universal.”

“Cannes is a tough space — but I’m manifesting my next chapter”
For Palash, Cannes was not just a festival, but a learning curve. “To succeed at Cannes, you need funds, networking, and lobbying. It’s a competitive space. But Indian storytelling is being noticed — and I hope to contribute in my small way to the global stage.” In his own words, the trip was “a rollercoaster and a whirlwind of emotions.”