Mukesh Chhabra, the renowned casting director has achieved a significant professional milestone as his debut production Gudgudi which has been selected for the screening at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in 2026.   The film will be showcased under the prestigious Marche du Film segment, a global film market that brings together all international filmmakers, distributors and industry power players. 

A Landmark Debut 

While Mukesh Chhabra is widely recognized as a casting director of some of the most successful films like the recent box office phenomenon Dhurandhar, Gudgudi will mark his first foray into film production under his own banner. Mukesh Chhabra Casting Co which he is collaborating with White Peacock Films. 

It is indeed a proud moment for the Indian Independent cinema that signals the growing appetite for the nuances of deep-rooted Indian stories on a global platform. Directed by Manisha K. Makwana , the film will feature Ahsaas Channa in the lead role.

The significance of the Marche du Film. 

Mache du Film is the business counterpart of the Cannes Film Festival and is considered to be the largest Film Market in the world. The significance is it provides the teams with the opportunities, by connecting the buyers from across the world on a Global Distribution Network. Engaging the top-tier producers and with the festival programmers and an International Premiere that will help to establish the film’s reputation ahead of its wider theatrical or on the OTT Streaming release. 

Following the announcement on April 16th 2026, Mukesh Chhabra has expressed his gratitude on the social media describing the moment as a dream come true. He expressed hat just the words do not  justify the feeling but seeing his debut production on an esteemed and prestigious International Platform Is a great achievement that belongs to the entire team’s hard work and vision. 

The lead actress Ahsaas Channa has transitioned from a popular child actor to a leading lady in the films and series. She also highlighted this news as one of the most significant news of her career . 

The 79th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 12th to May 23rd 2026 while Gudgudi will join along with the various lineup of international cinema which will further cement India’s expanding footprint in the global film circuit.