Sundance Film Festival, a prominent celebration of global cinema, has announced its award recipients for the 2025 edition. Among the exciting developments this year, the Marathi film “Sabar Bonda” clinched the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize for the Dramatic category, marking a significant achievement particularly as this is filmmaker Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s debut feature.
The film provides a poignant exploration of same-sex love, gracefully narrated against the rustic backdrop of a village close to Sangamner in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district. The story unfolds around Anand, a man in his thirties from the city, who, due to his father’s passing, is required to observe a ten-day mourning period in the countryside of western India. During this time, Anand forms a profound connection with a local farmer who faces his own societal battles.
“Sabar Bonda,” known internationally as “Cactus Pears,” not only delves into the themes of grief and cultural obligations but also encapsulates the blossoming of an unexpected relationship under challenging circumstances. As the mourning period concludes, Anand is faced with a difficult choice regarding the future of this newfound bond.
The jury for this year’s competition comprised several notable figures in the cinematic world, including French film critic Ava Cahen, Kenyan director Wanuri Kahiu, and British Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya. Their collective statement praised “Sabar Bonda” for its nuanced portrayal of modern love and its capacity to touch audience’s emotions powerfully. They lauded the film’s authentic exploration of intimate human connections, which they described as a narrative that the world greatly needs at this time.
This captivating Marathi language film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap, who bring to life the intricate dynamics of their characters. The movie’s production involves a collaborative international effort spanning India, the UK, and Canada. Producers include Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki, Kaushik Ray, Hareesh Reddypalli, Naren Chandavarkar, and Sidharth Meer.
“Sabar Bonda’s” success at Sundance is poised to significantly boost the global visibility of regional Indian filmmaking, demonstrating the rich narrative potential of Marathi cinema on the world stage.
The announcement of the awards was keenly awaited and was broadcast across various platforms on Friday evening, creating a buzz amongst cinephiles and cultural commentators alike.
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