For someone who has spent years sporting the label of being an underappreciated jewel in Indian films, Rahul Bhat is at last basking in the limelight—and rightfully so. Having gained praise for his gritty role in Black Warrant on Netflix, the actor now stands to ruffle feathers globally. This year at the Cannes Film Festival, Bhat will introduce his Hollywood debut film Lost & Found in Kumbh, representing his third showing at the upscale event.
Shadows to the Fore
Rahul Bhat’s path has never been smooth. Famous for playing roles that tend to explore the bleaker aspects of human nature, Bhat has worked years to create a niche in serious, emotionally charged films. But with Lost & Found in Kumbh, he’s entering new ground—a light-hearted dramedy with a global setting and a rich Indian cultural backdrop.
Talking to Variety, Bhat said, “For once, someone has given me a dramedy. I’ve always played dark, serious, violent characters. So I said, let me do something else, something English.” It’s a move that’s raising eyebrows. Not so much because it’s a switch in genres, but because Bhat is doing it on one of the biggest platforms in the world—Cannes.
A Glimpse Into Lost & Found in Kumbh
Directed by rookie director Mayur Puri, Lost & Found in Kumbh is anything but routine. It is the tale of a British philosophy professor settled in London and his trip to India’s Kumbh Mela with his British wife and son. The cultural excursion starts turning into a family drama when he suddenly bumps into his Indian ex-wife and their son at his ancestral abode—just to discover that his father is missing.
As the patriarch’s family searches for him, the two half-brothers become lost in the sea of people attending the hallowed festival. The setup is offbeat, sentimental, and rich with cultural crossroads—a great formula for a dramedy that’s as engaging as it is intelligent. Bhat calls the film “cute” and “engaging,” even going so far as to say it’s “a children’s film in some ways.” But don’t confuse the light tone with lack of difficulty. Filming it was far from easy.
Filming in the Heart of Chaos
The movie was filmed at the time of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the biggest religious festivals on the planet. With more than 500 million pilgrims attending this once-every-144-years spectacle, the production team was up against a formidable challenge.
We filmed at the end of the Kumbh, but it was still frenetic—so hot, and so many people. It was difficult, but also intriguing,” Bhat remembered. “As actors, you forget sometimes that you’re working at a real location. You’re so into the character, it begins to feel like another set. But it wasn’t. It was the Kumbh. It was real. Filming amidst the chaos and spiritual energy of the Kumbh Mela gave the project a unique authenticity. The bustling, almost surreal backdrop adds both visual depth and emotional texture to the story.
Hollywood Calling: Rahul Bhat’s Global Debut
Misplaced in Kumbh is Bhat’s debut Hollywood film, which was produced by Los Angeles-based Mulberry Films. It’s a milestone in a career that has frequently been applauded but never quite rewarded with wider recognition—until now.
Bhat’s earlier forays to Cannes were for Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly (premiering in Directors’ Fortnight in 2013) and Kennedy(screened in the Midnight Section in 2023). But this time around, things are different. This time, Bhat isn’t just acting in an Indian indie film; he’s an ambassador for a global production with a universal message and cross-cultural appeal.
“I’m finally tasting success after decades,” he said. “My films have always been critically acclaimed, but this is the first time I’m hearing that word—‘hit’—and it feels great.” It’s not just success—it’s validation.
Mayur Puri’s Vision: A Crossroads of Cinema and Culture
Director Mayur Puri, in his feature film debut, adds an interesting voice to the movie. Better known as a writer in Bollywood (Om Shanti Om, Happy New Year), Puri moves behind the camera for this ambitious effort.
His decision to locate the story in the colorful but frenetic environment of Kumbh Mela provides the film with a soupçon of spiritual irony. With characters losing and reclaiming one another during a sea of humanity, the movie reflects actual paths of identity, reunions, and acceptance. The narrative does not only present a physical quest but an emotional one—across countries, cultures, and generations.
Cannes: A Familiar Yet Fresh Stage
Cannes is familiar with Rahul Bhat. Back in 2013, Ugly introduced the world to his acting skills, and in 2023, Kennedy reminded us of his skill. But this year, 2025, Bhat is coming back with something all his own—a movie where he isn’t merely a great performer but a key presence in a tale that has the potential to connect Eastern philosophy and Western narrative. This is a return of sorts, but with a new passport—one that says Hollywood.
What's Next: From Cannes to Summer of 77
The journey doesn’t end at Cannes. Rahul Bhat’s next major outing will have him playing politician Sanjay Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra’s Summer of 77. It’s a daring, political drama set to create waves of controversy and debate both. From being a gentle father in a world dramedy to playing a contentious historical figure, Bhat’s range is now being appreciated. And rightly so.
A Moment Long Overdue
There’s something quietly satisfying about watching an actor like Rahul Bhat get his due. For years, he’s done the hard work—delivering layered performances, embracing difficult roles, and committing to stories that matter. With Lost & Found in Kumbh, he’s not just expanding his range but also expanding his reach.
In an age where formulaic success tends to drown talent, Bhat’s story is a reminder that hard work ultimately pays off. And sometimes, success is not with a deafening bang but with a gentle, powerful smile on the Cannes red carpet.
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