From Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone taking on jury duty to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan possibly owning the red carpet yet again with her ball gowns, this year’s Cannes Film Festival is set to be a star-studded event packed with desi elements. 

The 10-day festival, which commences on May 17, will also screen six Indian films, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

Here is this year’s lineup-

1. ‘Alpha Beta Gamma’

Shankar Srikumar’s ‘Alpha Beta Gamma’ revolves around the life of Jai, a director who has climbed up the rungs of success, however, at the cost of his marital life. As he and his wife, Mitali, attempt to separate and move on with their new lovers, they decide to sit and discuss their divorce on one fine day, only to have a new COVID-19 lockdown throw a wrench in their works. 

2. ‘Rocketry – The Nambi Effect’

Produced and directed by R Madhavan, the film tells the story of Indian rocket scientist Shri Nambi Narayanan. The film, starring Madhavan as the protagonist, also includes an extended cameo of Shah Rukh Khan. ‘Rocketry – The Nambi Effect’ is set to release in Hindi, Tamil, and English on July 1. 

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s jury duty at Cannes leaves Ranveer Singh with major FOMO

3. ‘Godavari’

‘Godavari’ is a Marathi film directed by Nikhil Mahajan. It chronicles the life of a family living on the banks of the Godavari river. The protagonist of the film is Nishikant Deshmukh, a man who bottles up his daily life struggles and frustrations, only to later lash out and blame factors like the town and its people. 

4. ‘Dhuin’

Directed by Achal Mishra, ‘Dhuin’ captures the life of Pankaj, an aspiring actor who earns a living by performing in street plays for his local municipality. However, his unfulfilling stints only push him to move to the city of dreams- Mumbai. With financial struggles and familial problems, the film shows how Pankaj navigates his way to decent stardom. 

Also Read: Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ to get a world premiere at Cannes

5. ‘Boomba Ride’

‘Boomba Ride’, directed by Biswajeet Bora is a satire of corruption in India’s grassroots, especially in the rural education system. The film is inspired by true events and was shot on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. 

Also Read: What are the movies that were sent to Cannes from India?

6. ‘Tree Full of Parrots’

‘Tree Full of Parrots’ is a Malayalam film directed by Jayaraj. It revolves around the life of Poonjan, an eight-year-old boy who leads a life far different from other kids his age. From picking up jobs like fishing to caring for his father-grandfather-great grandfather trio of alcoholics, Poonjan lives a life less than ordinary. One day, he comes across a blind man who has lost his way home and only recalls a tree full of parrots that is located near his house. Poonjan then embarks on a journey to find the tree.