18 Incredible Must-Watch Films That Made Their Way To Cannes
From Pather Panchali to Masaan, these Indian films took home Cannes awards and should be must-watch list for every cinephile
India’s cinematic journey at Cannes Film Festival has been marked by groundbreaking narratives and compelling storytelling.
From the first historic win with the film Neecha Nagar in 1946 to the recent nomination of Neeraj Ghyawan’s Homebound starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, Indian films have consistently made waves at the Cannes Film Festival, capturing the attention of the global cinephiles with deeply human stories.
As Cannes 2025 continues to spotlight India with promising debuts and bold narratives, here’s a look at 17 Indian films that didn’t just screen at the prestigious festival—they won.
Neecha Nagar (1946)
Award: Grand Prix (Palme d'Or)
Directed by Chetan Anand, this debut feature became the first Indian (and Asian) film to win the top prize at Cannes. A searing commentary on class inequality, it set the tone for India’s socially rooted cinematic expression on the world stage.
Do Bigha Zamin (1953)
Award: Prix International
Bimal Roy's landmark realist drama follows a farmer's descent into poverty in post-Independence India. It put Indian neorealism on the map and moved international audiences with its emotional authenticity.
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Boot Polish (1954)
Award: Special Mention for Child Actress Naaz
Produced by Raj Kapoor, this touching story of orphaned siblings earned acclaim for its emotional gravity and a standout performance by young Naaz.
Pather Panchali (1955)
Award: Best Human Document
Satyajit Ray's magnum opus opened Western eyes to Indian cinema’s lyrical power. A poetic depiction of rural Bengal, it remains one of the most important films in world cinema.
Gotama the Buddha (1957)
Award: Special Mention (Short Film)
Rajbans Khanna's documentary on the Buddha's life combined philosophical depth with graceful filmmaking, earning Cannes' rare short film recognition.
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Kharij (1983)
Award: Special Jury Prize
Mrinal Sen’s introspective look at class, morality and guilt in urban India offered a sharp, unsettling narrative that resonated with critics.
Salaam Bombay! (1988)
Awards: Caméra d'Or, Audience Award
Mira Nair's raw debut told the heartbreaking stories of Mumbai's street kids, marking the arrival of a bold new voice in Indian and world cinema.
Piravi (1989)
Award: Caméra d'Or – Special Mention
Shaji N. Karun’s Malayalam drama about a father searching for his disappeared son stood out for its meditative pace and powerful emotional undercurrent.
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Sam & Me (1991)
Award: Caméra d'Or – Special Mention
While Canadian in production, Deepa Mehta’s Indian roots and cultural themes shine in this moving immigrant narrative about friendship and identity.
Marana Simhasanam (1999)
Award: Caméra d'Or
Murali Nair's satirical Malayalam feature explored capital punishment with biting irony, earning the top debut feature prize.
A Very Very Silent Film (2002)
Award: Special Jury Prize (Short)
Manish Jha’s silent short on homelessness and invisibility in urban India was a stark, haunting portrait that echoed globally.
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Printed Rainbow (2006)
Award: Prix de la Jeunesse (Youth Prize)
Gitanjali Rao’s beautiful animated short about solitude and imagination swept hearts and awards alike with its painterly style.
The Lunchbox (2013)
Award: Critics Week Viewers Choice Award
Ritesh Batra's modern classic about love, food and loneliness showcased the emotional finesse of Indian indie storytelling.
Masaan (2015)
Awards: FIPRESCI Prize & Promising Future (Un Certain Regard)
Neeraj Ghaywan's Varanasi-set drama of grief, caste and modernity signaled a new wave of rooted, globally resonant Indian cinema.
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A Night of Knowing Nothing (2021)
Award: L'Œil d'Or (Best Documentary)
Payal Kapadia’s experimental docu-essay on campus life and political resistance is a deeply personal yet universal work of art.
All That Breathes (2022)
Award: L'Œil d'Or (Best Documentary)
Shaunak Sen’s poetic non-fiction portrait of brothers caring for injured birds in Delhi was lauded for its ecological and humanist depth.
Sunflowers Were First To Know (2024)
Award: Third Prize, La Cinef
Chidananda S Naik's hauntingly beautiful short explores myth, loss, and superstition in rural Karnataka. As a La Cinef laureate, the FTII student has joined the legacy of great Indian storytellers bringing short form narratives to global acclaim.
All We Imagine as Light (2024)
Award: Grand Prix
With her Cannes competition debut, Payal Kapadia made history again. This slow-burn story of two nurses in Mumbai navigating loneliness and longing captivated the jury and reasserted India's place in world cinema.
