Alia Bhatt questions male centric storytelling in Indian cinema at Cannes 2026
Actor Alia Bhatt has sparked fresh debate around gender representation in Indian cinema after questioning why mainstream films continue to largely cater to male audiences.
Speaking during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, the actor reflected on the industry’s long-standing focus on male-centric storytelling and box office calculations.
Bhatt said discussions around commercial success in India often revolve around the belief that the majority of moviegoers are men, leading filmmakers to design content aimed primarily at male audiences.
She questioned why storytelling could not be more inclusive and said films should focus on strong narratives rather than being shaped around gender.
According to Bhatt, cinema should become “gender agnostic,” where the quality of storytelling matters more than whether a film is led by a male or female actor.
Her remarks quickly gained traction online, with social media users debating the evolving role of women in mainstream Indian cinema and audience preferences.
Apart from her comments on filmmaking, Alia Bhatt also drew attention for her appearance at Cannes 2026. The actor attended the festival’s opening night wearing a peach-toned gown featuring a sculpted neckline and a flowing sheer cape.
Styled with soft waves and minimal jewellery, Bhatt’s look became one of the talked-about fashion moments from the opening days of the festival on the French Riviera.
The Cannes Film Festival 2026 is being held from May 12 to May 23 and continues to bring together leading filmmakers, actors and fashion personalities from across the world.
