Cannes 2025: Karan Johar aces style game in Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal ensembles

Indian filmmaker and producer Karan Johar, who walked the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival 2025 along with the team of his film ‘Homebound’, solidified his position as a fashion icon in not one, but two, extravagant looks.

Johar, known to be one of the best-dressed and most stylish personalities in Bollywood, with his bold takes on fashion, did not disappoint as he made an appearance at the French Riviera.

For the first look, he wore an outfit by ace designer and long-time collaborator Manish Malhotra, which was styled by Eka Lakhani. The regal ensemble featured a cropped ivory sherwani in zardozi threadwork. According to a post on Instagram by Manish Malhotra’s label, the embroidery on the bandhgala was completed in 1,200 hours by 12 master karigars.

The sherwani, which highlighted Indian craftsmanship, was paired with black trousers, white frilled shirt and custom shawl. The unique brooches on the sherwani, which doubled as buttons, elevated the ensemble.

Not once but twice
While he aced the first look, it was no different for the second look, also styled by Lakhani. The filmmaker, known for films such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, paid tribute to Rohit Bal as he opted for a vibrant jacket from the late designer’s archive. For the screening of ‘Homebound’, the film producer pulled off an all-black look, the highlight being the silk velvet jacket, which featured floral motifs and was intricately hand-embroidered in zardozi technique. According to a post by the stylist on Instagram, it took 410 hours to craft the jacket. 

The jacket from Bal’s collection was paired with a black shirt and trousers. He completed the look with a statement neckpiece and black boots, and looked fashionable as ever.

‘Homebound’ actors arrive fashionably
Janhvi Kapoor made her Cannes debut in a stunning pink Banarasi tissue ensemble by Tarun Tahiliani, which presented a contemporary take on traditional Indian wear. On the other hand, Ishaan Khatter opted for a deep Bordeaux velvet suit by Gaurav Gupta. Vishal Jethwa looked suave in an all-black ensemble by Kaushik Velendra, with the blazer featuring exaggerated shoulders crafted with crystals.

Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa pose during a photocall for the film `Homebound` (Photos Courtesy: AFP)

For the screening of ‘Homebound’, Kapoor looked radiant in custom Anamika Khanna gold and green gown, Khatter opted for an Armani ensemble and Jethwa pulled off yet another powerful look in a black-and-white Kaushik Velendra outfit.