EXCLUSIVE: Indira Baikerikar On The Second Wind Premiering In Cannes, Says, “Unfortunately The Perception Of Indian Women Abroad Is Outdated”

The Cannes Film festival 2025 will kickstart from May 13 and will go on till May 24. Like previous years, our focus will not only be on fashion but also on films encouraging filmmaker’s from across the world to collaborate. Filmmaker Indira Baikerikar’s project The Second Wind is set to share the spotlight with other Indian films like Ishaan Khatter’s Homebound. Indira Baikerikar was inspired by her daughter Mallika’s journey and translated that into a short film which tells how Mallika recovered after a life-altering event.

The Second Wind tells the story of four urban women—each dynamic, driven, and multidimensional. They run races, compete in triathlons, swim competitively, and still manage their families and relationships. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, filmmaker talks about the prestigious moment.

Excerpts:

Your film The Second Wind is all set to premiere on an international platform. How overwhelming is it, knowing it will reach audiences beyond India?

It’s truly overwhelming in the best way. India has so many stories to tell, and unfortunately, the perception of Indian women abroad is often limited or outdated. Having traveled the world—whether representing India in international races or showcasing my designer collections globally—I’ve often come across the belief that Indian women are sidelined, passive, or lacking independence. But I come from a family where women are strong, progressive, and passionately leading their lives. That’s the version of India I want to show the world.

If given a chance, would you like to release the film in India?

Absolutely! Releasing the film worldwide includes India too, of course. I would be humbled and honored to release The Second Wind in my own country. It would mean a lot to bring this story back home.

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Many filmmakers in the past have called out bias at international film festivals toward Indian filmmakers and content. How do you reflect on that?

This is my debut film and my very first submission to an international festival, so I choose to look at it positively. I believe everything is unfolding as it should, and the best is yet to come. I have faith that sincere storytelling will always find its place.

Film festivals have increasingly become red carpet events, where the focus seems more on appearances than the films themselves. As a filmmaker, does that bother you?

Not at all. Everyone has their own way of presenting themselves and their work. For me, originality is what truly stands out. I believe in telling authentic stories that genuinely connect with people. In The Second Wind, we’ve stayed true to simplicity. There’s no heavy makeup, no excessive glamour, no dramatic music or over-the-top acting. It’s a raw, real, and heartfelt film—just like life. I always say, The Second Wind is about embracing life as it is, with honesty and grace.

Also Read: Dharma Productions’ Homebound Starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor And Vishal Jethwa Officially Selected For Cannes 2025 In ‘Un Certain Regard’ Category

Aakruti Bagla

With over 4 years of experience, Aakruti Bagla is a Bollywood and Television enthusiast working as a content writer and anchor in Bollywood Bubble. Whether reporting on red carpet moments or diving into long-form features, she aims to tell stories that resonate with readers and reveal the people behind the personas.