At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, filmmaker Karan Johar transformed the red carpet into his own theatrical runway, merging Bollywood flair with high-society period drama vibes — proving once again that when it comes to style, he’s in a league of his own.
A daring fashion statement: Drama meets decadence
Karan Johar, known equally for his cinematic storytelling and flamboyant fashion sense, made an unforgettable impression at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Eschewing subtlety in favor of grandeur, Johar arrived clad in a custom Manish Malhotra ensemble that instantly became the talk of the festival’s red carpet.
The look was a masterpiece of drama and opulence: an ivory, floor-length bandhgala jacket featuring a woven jacquard collar and an exaggerated ruffle-detailed shirt beneath. The silhouette evoked the elegance of a Bridgerton-era aristocrat infused with unmistakable Bollywood glamour — a signature KJo style mashup that commands attention. But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the carefully curated collection of brooches and collar pins, crafted from 18k gold and boasting over 14 carats of custom-cut emeralds, radiating regal sophistication and unapologetic extravagance.
Johar’s flair didn’t stop there. Glossy black heeled boots added a modern edge, and his trademark theatrical poses ensured the outfit wasn’t just worn, but performed. Every movement of the longline coat seemed choreographed for maximum cinematic effect, securing Johar’s place as the festival’s sartorial showstopper. Fans and fashion insiders alike praised the look as a red carpet triumph — a bold statement that Johar wasn’t just attending Cannes, but reinventing what it means to dress for such an iconic event.
Celebrating cinema: The premiere of homebound
Beyond the fashion spectacle, Johar’s presence at Cannes had cinematic gravitas. The occasion was the premiere of Homebound, a film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Johar’s Dharma Productions. The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, and its screening in the prestigious Un Certain Regard category added to the evening’s significance.
Homebound carries heavyweight backing — none other than Martin Scorsese serves as executive producer, a testament to the film’s international pedigree and the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. Johar’s dual role as producer and fashion icon at the festival symbolized the intersection of storytelling and style, elevating both disciplines in a dazzling display.
The red carpet drama and film prestige together marked a milestone moment for Johar. No longer just a filmmaker, he emerged as a bona fide global fashion export — the kind of personality who turns festivals into theatrical stages and invites audiences to experience cinema through a lens of cultural confidence and sartorial excellence.
Redefining Indian menswear on the global stage
Karan Johar’s bold sartorial choices at Cannes signal more than personal style — they point to a broader cultural shift. Indian menswear, long overshadowed in the international fashion arena, is now ready to claim its rightful place. Through elaborate silhouettes, intricate detailing, and a fearless embrace of color and embellishment, Johar is not just dressing up for red carpet moments; he is setting them ablaze.
His Bridgerton-inspired bandhgala, with its regal ruffles and emerald accents, weaves together narratives of history, heritage, and modernity. This look is a powerful statement about identity and representation, showcasing that Indian fashion can stand tall and proud alongside global luxury labels and red carpet staples.
Johar’s presence is a form of fashion diplomacy — an assertion that Indian style sensibilities can be just as bold, refined, and influential as any other. His red carpet theatrics embody a confident cultural storytelling that resonates far beyond Cannes, inspiring designers and fashion lovers worldwide to rethink tradition through a contemporary, cosmopolitan lens.
A red carpet revolution: Karan Johar’s lasting impact
As Homebound continues to gain international acclaim, Johar’s impact at Cannes transcends the festival itself. His striking appearance captured global media attention, reinforcing his role as a trailblazer in both film and fashion.
In an environment often dominated by safe, conventional suits and understated elegance, Johar’s Bridgerton-coded bandhgala was a breath of fresh air — a reminder that fashion can be a form of storytelling just as powerful as any screenplay. By blending cinematic inspiration with rich cultural references, Johar crafted a visual narrative that captivated audiences and critics alike.
Cannes 2025 will be remembered not only for the films premiered but also for the spectacle Johar brought to the red carpet. His dramatic presence, opulent styling, and unapologetic confidence have redefined what it means to make an entrance on the world’s most prestigious fashion stage.
For Karan Johar, this was more than a fashion moment. It was a declaration: Indian menswear has arrived, and it’s here to rewrite the script — with style, substance, and a touch of royal drama.
