Cannes 2025 Sparks Debate as Indian Influencer Gets Shown Off the Red Carpet: Is the Festival Losing Its Soul?
Cannes 2025 Sparks Debate as Indian Influencer Gets Shown Off the Red Carpet: Is the Festival Losing Its Soul?
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival may be over, but a viral incident involving an Indian influencer continues to spark debate and controversy. What should have been a tribute to global cinema has instead become a discussion about authenticity, representation, and whether Cannes is losing touch with its original spirit.
A short video circulating on social media shows an Indian influencer attempting to pose and wave to photographers on the red carpet, only to be politely escorted away by security. Though the moment was fleeting, it was enough to trigger a wave of online reactions.
Critics didn’t hold back. One user remarked, “It’s just people trying to get their money’s worth — anyone can buy their way into Cannes now.” Another questioned, “This is supposed to be an exclusive, invitation-only event. So who invited her? Cannes isn’t what it used to be.” Others echoed similar sentiments, saying influencers should stick to their platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
The Influence of the Influencer Era at Cannes
Cannes has been changing in recent years. The red carpet, once reserved for the best in international cinema — actors, directors, and creators — now frequently features Indian digital influencers. Names like Masoom Minawala, Ankush Bahuguna, Parul Gulati, Nancy Tyagi, Niharika NM, and Viraj Ghelani have all been seen at the festival, mostly with support from luxury brands, not film industry groups.
Many of these influencers aren’t there to support movies, but to model outfits, promote brands, or create social media content. Some reports claim they pay up to ₹30 lakh just to be able to walk the red carpet.
This influx of influencers has attracted younger audiences to Cannes, but it also comes at a cost. Fashion content made for social media is increasingly stealing the spotlight from the films, jury panels, and cultural conversations that once defined the festival.
Director Aditya Sarpotdar, known for his film Munjya, didn’t hold back in his criticism. “No number of influencers, flashy outfits, or online buzz will win a country cinematic recognition,” he said. “These pre-events may help promote the festival, but they don’t represent its core. The true essence of Cannes lies in the films themselves.”
His remarks reflect the views of many who believe Cannes is slowly turning into a fashion spectacle rather than a true celebration of cinema.
Glamour vs. Heritage
Cannes has always been about style and substance — a place where world cinema is honored and the red carpet carries meaning. Think of legendary names like Grace Kelly, Catherine Deneuve, or India’s Aishwarya Rai, who once made Cannes a symbol of pride and artistic excellence.
But today, the red carpet seems saturated with unfamiliar faces, each hustling for their moment in the spotlight — and it has prompted many to ask: Where are the legends? Where are the veterans? And more importantly, is Cannes still a film festival at its core, or has it become a digital content fairground?
