"if I can't wear a Gota original, I refuse to let our culture be shunted."
Vir Das poked fun at the new dress regulations at the Cannes Film Festival.
The comedian posted a sarcastic statement online after festival organisers banned nudity and “voluminous” outfits on the red carpet.
The 78th edition of the prestigious festival opened in France on May 13.
But on May 14, Vir sarcastically said he would no longer be attending the festival.
Mocking the ban, he wrote on Instagram:
“It’s with deep regret that I announce I will no longer be attending the Cannes Film Festival because of the new red carpet rules.
“For multiple generations, nude voluminous gowns with large trains have been culturally specific to the comedy community.”
Joking that he had an extravagant outfit ready, he continued:
“This year, I had planned a dark beige, 78-foot-long, off-shoulder piece that moved finely into sleeves that covered my wrists, but dipped lower and gently showcased the heart of my scrotum.
“But if I can’t wear a Gota original, I refuse to let our culture be shunted.
“I was planning on taking multiple selfies of cultural significance. But someone has to take a stand. I wish the festival all the best.”
Vir Das’ post gained traction on social media and the comments section ranged from laughter to continuing the joke.
One wrote: “We respect your decision and stand by you in such difficult times.”
Another joked: “We stand by you in these testicular times. More prostate to you.”
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The new rules follow a series of high-profile fashion statements at recent events.
In 2022, a protester appeared topless on the Cannes red carpet.
Earlier in 2025, Bianca Censori’s see-through dress at the Grammys drew global attention.
In response, Cannes has updated its red carpet charter.
A statement from the festival read:
“This year, the Cannes Film Festival has made explicit in its charter certain rules that have long been in effect.”
“The aim is not to regulate attire per se, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, in accordance with the institutional framework of the event and French law.
“The festival reserves the right to deny access to individuals whose attire could obstruct the movement of other guests or complicate seating arrangements in the screening rooms.”
Despite the controversy, several Indian celebrities are expected to walk the red carpet this year.
These include Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shalini Passi, Sharmila Tagore, Karan Johar and Janhvi Kapoor.
The Cannes Film Festival continues until May 24.
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