India, May 13 -- Actor Alia Bhatt has sparked fresh debate around gender representation in Indian cinema after questioning why mainstream films continue to largely cater to male audiences.

Speaking during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, the actor reflected on the industry's long-standing focus on male-centric storytelling and box office calculations.

Bhatt said discussions around commercial success in India often revolve around the belief that the majority of moviegoers are men, leading filmmakers to design content aimed primarily at male audiences.

She questioned why storytelling could not be more inclusive and said films should focus on strong narratives rather than being shaped around...