Indian actor Rahul Bhat has returned to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for the third time, marking a major career milestone, the announcement of his Hollywood debut, Lost and Found in Kumbh with a teaser launch.
Rahul made his Cannes debut in 2013 with Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly, a hard-hitting thriller that premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section. A decade later, he returned in 2023 with Kennedy, which received widespread acclaim and a 7-minute standing ovation, cementing his position as a global performer to watch.
Rahul Bhat returns to Cannes
This year, Rahul Bhat takes a bold new leap with Lost and Found in Kumbh— a cross-cultural narrative set against the vibrant backdrop of India’s Kumbh Mela. The film marks his Hollywood Debut, making his return to Cannes all the more meaningful.
Speaking about the moment, Rahul said, “It feels like a true homecoming. The Kennedy days hold a special place in my heart, and returning to Cannes with Lost and Found in Kumbh feels just as magical. Sharing the first glimpse of our film here is both an announcement and a celebration.”
Bhat’s Cannes journey reflects his growing influence not only in Indian cinema but now also on the international stage. Rahul Bhat kicked off the year with the success of Black Warrant, one of the most successful and critically acclaimed shows of the year.
Rahul Bhat on his Hollywood debut
Rahul Bhat shared his thoughts on the project and the experience, “For a change, somebody offered me a dramedy. I’ve always been cast in dark, serious, violent roles. So I thought, let me try something different, something in English. We shot at the end of the Kumbh, but it was still intense—so hot, and so many people. It was tough, but also fascinating. This one’s not meant to be taken too seriously. It’s a cute, engaging film. You could call it a dramedy—or even a children’s film in some ways. As actors, we sometimes forget we’re shooting at a real place. You’re so immersed in the role, it starts to feel like just another set. But it wasn’t. It was the Kumbh. It was real. I’m finally tasting success after decades. My films have always been critically acclaimed, but this is the first time I’m hearing that word—‘hit’—and it feels great.”
Unlike his previous Cannes entries, Lost & Found in Kumbh offers a lighter, more accessible story and tone. His character, Maddy, a pragmatic philosophy professor, approaches the deeply spiritual and chaotic setting of the Kumbh with analytical detachment, which fuels the film’s emotional and cultural contrasts.
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