MUMBAI, India — The highly anticipated Marathi film “Sabar Bonda” is set to hit theaters across India on September 19. Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the film has already garnered significant acclaim, having won the Grand Jury Prize—the top award at the Sundance Film Festival 2025. It is distributed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media.
Out of approximately 17,000 entries worldwide, “Sabar Bonda” was the only feature from India to compete at Sundance, marking a significant milestone as the first Marathi-language film to ever grace the festival’s screens. This achievement highlights the film’s unique narrative and cultural resonance, as it explores themes of love and loss within the rural backdrop of India.
The film stars Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap. Plot-wise, it tells the story of Anand, a man from the city grappling with his personal grief and family expectations. As he engages in a traditional 10-day mourning ritual in his ancestral village, Anand forges a poignant connection with Balya, a childhood friend who also faces similar societal pressures.
Acclaimed filmmakers such as Nagraj Manjule, Nikkhil Advani, Saie Tamhankar, and Vikramaditya Motwane have lent their expertise as executive producers for this project. Their involvement adds an additional layer of prestige to the film, emphasizing its significance within the cinematic landscape.
Kanawade expressed his deep attachment to the film, stating that it reflects his personal experiences and insights. He described the journey from conceptualization to international recognition as both humbling and exhilarating. “Bringing this film back home, especially with the partnership of Spirit Media, is a special moment,” he said.
Daggubati praised “Sabar Bonda” as a “tender yet powerful film” that resonates with universal themes. He emphasized that winning the prestigious award at Sundance is not only a major milestone for the film but also for Indian cinema as a whole. The film, Daggubati noted, showcases exceptional storytelling and character development, marking a remarkable debut from Kanawade.
As “Sabar Bonda” prepares for its release, anticipation is building among audiences eager to experience its heartfelt narrative and rich cultural context. The film’s international accolades have already sparked interest, ensuring that it will draw significant attention both domestically and abroad.
This noteworthy film stands to further elevate the visibility of Marathi cinema on the global stage, and its successful reception at Sundance underscores the importance of diverse storytelling in the film industry.
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