Dharma Goes to Cannes: The Partnership Changing Indian Cinema | The Hollywood Reporter x Cannes

Anupama Chopra of The Hollywood Reporter India sits down with Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan at Cannes 2025, where their film "Homebound" has captivated audiences with its emotionally resonant storytelling. In this candid conversation, the unlikely collaborators reveal the extraordinary journey that brought a mainstream Bollywood producer and an acclaimed indie filmmaker together, culminating in a Martin Scorsese-backed feature that explores India's rural heartland. Karan, known for glossy commercial blockbusters, discusses his deliberate expansion of Dharma Productions' creative footprint and his surprising admission that respect and critical acclaim mean more to him than box office success. Meanwhile, Neeraj, returning to Cannes a decade after his breakthrough with "Masaan," shares the deeply personal influences behind "Homebound" and his approach to addressing sensitive cultural contexts through nuanced, meditative storytelling rather than activism. Location: Air France La Premiere Beach Lounge #cannesfestival #thehollywoodreporter #bollywood Associate Partner: Longitude 77 Travel Partner: Air France Hydration Partner: Vedica Himalayan Spring Water Luxury Mobility Partner: BMW