Rahul Bhat heads to Cannes with Hollywood debut ‘Lost and Found in Kumbh’

Indian actor Rahul Bhat announced his presence at Cannes 2025 with his Hollywood film debut Lost and Found in Kumbh. Bhat, known for starring in different media content, kickstarted his career through several advertisements, music videos and TV serials that brought him to the attention of Indian film buffs. This marks the third time that Bhat is setting foot at the festival. His two films with Anurag Kashyap went to Cannes in 2013 and 2023 — Ugly was screened in the Director’s Fortnight section and Kennedy in the Midnight Screening section.  

Bhat had mentioned in an interview with Variety that it was an altogether different and new experience for him. “For a change, somebody offered me a dramedy,” Bhat tells Variety. “All the time, people were only giving me these dark, very serious, violent roles. So I thought, okay, let me do something interesting in English.” A diversion in his acting career is clearly witnessed from all the other films he has worked on.

Lost and Found in Kumbh

Mayur Puri’s Lost and Found in Kumbh is a dramedy or a children’s film according to Bhat. The plot revolves around a professor from London who, along with his British wife and son, take a trip to Kumbh Mela to meet his father. However, the story takes a turn when his Indian ex-wife and son are at their family home but his father is missing. The search begins at the crowded religious festival and all hell breaks loose when both his sons get lost. Produced by Los Angeles-based Mulberry Films, the teaser will be released on May 18 at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes.

With a globally diverse ensemble, Lost & Found in Kumbh includes British actor Katie Amess as Cherry, Rahul Bhat as Maddy, Rajshri Deshpande as Sherry, and young actors Jordy Cass and Abhisar Puri as the half-brothers.

Shooting at Kumbh Mela

While shooting at the Kumbh Mela is no joke, the producers have managed their way through to get the complete output. “We shot on location when the Kumbh was ending, but yes, it was still there. It was really tough. It was so hot and there were so many people, but interesting,” Bhat tells Variety. Although the process was a rough road, there was a notable amount of support from local authorities. “That credit goes to the producers, definitely, because they made sure that we were always working. And also the government of Uttar Pradesh. They were very helpful,” Bhat notes. “We were given space within the Kumbh near the Ganges for a few days to shoot there.” 

Bhat also acknowledged his recent success Black Warrant (co-created by Vikramaditya Motwane) that is followed by his Cannes appearance. “I am tasting success after, I think, decades. I have always had people say my films have been critically acclaimed because I have worked with some great directors, but I have never heard this word, ‘Oh, it’s a success.’ And suddenly [after Black Warrant] I am hearing these words from everywhere – ‘Oh, it’s a hit.'”

Bhat’s presence is also anticipated in Sudhir Mishra’s Summer of 77, in which he essays politician Sanjay Gandhi. It will be released on SonyLIV.

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