Rahul Bhat slams Cannes red carpet culture: Prestigious film festival turned into a circus

Rahul Bhat slams Cannes red carpet culture: Prestigious film festival’s turn into a circus

Actor Rahul Bhat has voiced his disappointment over what he sees as the Cannes Film Festival losing its essence to fashion and social media stunts. In an interview with Brut India, Rahul Bhat emphasized that while he’s proud to have walked the red carpet at Cannes, it was for the films he was a part of—not for the photo ops or PR machinery.

“There’s a difference,” Bhat said. “People come here to take pictures on the red carpet. But I’m proudly saying that I have walked the red carpet. Shouldn’t that be of some value? Instead, I’m having to point out the difference and tell people I was part of official selections.”

Rahul Bhat, who had films like Ugly and Kennedy premiere at Cannes, expressed frustration that he had to constantly clarify that he was there as part of the official film selections. “I walked the red carpet for real, not for fashion. Not for taking pictures, not for PR machinery,” he said. “Two of my movies have been premiered here. What to do? I am forced to tell this to people, but I don’t know how to blow my own trumpet.”

The actor’s statements come amid growing criticism of how the Cannes red carpet is being dominated by influencers, celebrities, and socialites who have little or no connection to the films being screened. The internet has been vocal in supporting Bhat’s sentiment, with many calling the current state of the festival a “circus.”

“It’s sad to see such a prestigious film festival turn into a circus,” one Instagram user commented. Another compared the event to a “Met Gala knockoff,” writing, “They have turned a film festival into a ramp walk.”

Also Read: No Bigg Boss OTT in 2025 as Bigg Boss 19 extends to record 5.5-month run, premieres July 30 with Salman Khan returning as host

Another comment read, “It’s time Cannes realises that it’s a movie’s Mecca, not a pop gathering.” Some critics noted how anyone with reach or popularity seems to be able to walk the red carpet, making the exclusivity of Cannes feel diluted.

Rahul Bhat’s remarks have struck a chord with cinephiles and professionals in the film industry who feel the festival has shifted from being a celebration of cinematic excellence to a parade of fashion and digital influence. His comments serve as a reminder of what Cannes once stood for—and a call to return to those values.