Filmmaker Vivek Rajan Agnihotri took to Twitter to remind everyone that the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival is meant for “showcasing films and it’s not a fashion show”. Elaborating on his opinion, he says, “Films have been replaced by fashion, which creates a sensation, instead of being real. Now, looking weird and shocking the audience is in fashion.”

Recalling his first visit to the French Riviera five years ago for his film The Tashkent Files (2019), Agnihotri says, “I noticed that models wearing weird costumes were the main attraction on the red carpet, while big actors and directors walked by and nobody cared. That is still the case when it comes to Cannes.”

The Kashmir Files (2022) director, when asked why Bollywood actors remain quiet on the current scenario of a film festival changing into a fashion show, he says, “They have become like social media influencers and are busy doing brand promotions. It’s like when you dance at a wedding and take money for it, you can’t criticize the food that’s served. They (actors) have no spine left (to understand and express the real purpose of the festival and what it stands for).”

Hoping for better sense to prevail the next year, the 49-year-old feels that Cannes is a space for important films that “make bold statements”. He adds, “I am talking about films that aren’t mainstream and won’t get a platform to be showcased otherwise.”