Tamil cinema made its strongest showing yet at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, with three films screened in different sections receiving enthusiastic responses from international audiences.
Director Pa. Ranjith's "Neelam" — a Dalit art history drama shot in the ruins of Madurai — received a 12-minute standing ovation after its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section.
Vetrimaaran's "Viduthalai Part 3" was selected for the Main Competition for the first time, making Tamil cinema history as the first Tamil film to compete for the Palme d'Or.
Young director Karthick Naren's debut international film "Mazhai" won the FIPRESCI Critics Prize in the Directors Fortnight section.
Film critics from France, Germany and Italy praised Tamil cinema for its authentic storytelling and departure from mainstream commercial formulas.