Alia Bhatt Advocates for Gender-Agnostic Storytelling in Indian Cinema

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Alia Bhatt raised important questions about the male-centric focus of Indian cinema. While Hollywood embraces female-driven narratives, Alia advocates for a shift towards gender-agnostic storytelling. She emphasizes the need for films to prioritize narrative over gender, hoping for more women-led projects in the future. Alongside her insightful commentary, Alia dazzled attendees with her stunning fashion choices at Cannes, including a breathtaking peach gown. As she prepares for her upcoming film, Alpha, Alia's presence at the festival highlights her commitment to changing the landscape of Indian cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 00:48 IST

Alia Bhatt's Insights on Gender Representation in Film

As Hollywood celebrates films with strong female narratives like Barbie and Devil Wears Prada 2, which are thriving at the global box office, Alia Bhatt highlights that Indian cinema still largely caters to male audiences. Speaking at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, the Alpha actress raised concerns about the industry's focus on one gender for commercial success. She argues that storytelling should be the primary focus, advocating for a more inclusive approach that is "gender-agnostic." Alia, who is also stepping into production, expressed her hope for an increase in women-led films in theaters.

Alia Bhatt Challenges the Male-Centric Focus of Indian Films

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Alia remarked on the fascinating trends in global cinema, noting that many successful films have attracted a predominantly female audience. She pointed out that in India, around 75% of moviegoers are male, which influences the types of films being produced. This male-centric focus raises questions about the representation of female viewers in cinema. Alia clarified that her goal is not to alienate men but to encourage a broader perspective on storytelling that includes all genders. She believes that the narrative should always take precedence over the gender of the lead characters.

Alia Bhatt's Glamorous Return to Cannes 2026

Having made her debut at Cannes last year, Alia has returned to the prestigious film festival this year. On her first day, she wowed attendees in a breathtaking gown featuring a sweetheart neckline, beautifully showcasing the essence of the French Riviera. For her second appearance, she chose a peach, form-fitting dress with a daring plunging neckline, elegantly paired with a flowing dupatta. Professionally, Alia has exciting projects lined up, including the action film Alpha, which is set to be Yash Raj Films’ first women-led thriller, featuring co-stars Bobby Deol and Sharvari Wagh.