Mumbai: Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), the first-ever Indian fiction feature to win the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, has officially unveiled its trailer in Mumbai.
Written and directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the Marathi-language film is scheduled for its Indian theatrical release on September 19, 2025, distributed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media.
Sabar Bonda marks historic milestone at Sundance
Selected from nearly 17,000 submissions worldwide, Sabar Bonda was India’s only feature in competition at Sundance this year. The film also became the first Marathi-language project to premiere at the prestigious festival, further cementing its place as a landmark in Indian cinema.
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Executive Producers rally behind Sabar Bonda
In a significant development, renowned filmmakers Nagraj Manjule, Nikkhil Advani, Saie Tamhankar, and Vikramaditya Motwane have come on board as Executive Producers, lending strong industry backing to the film. Their support highlights the cultural importance of Sabar Bonda and reinforces its potential impact on both Indian and global audiences.
Plot and cast details
Sabar Bonda follows Anand, a city-dweller coping with personal grief, who returns to his ancestral village for a 10-day mourning ritual. Amid the landscapes of western India, he reconnects with Balya, a childhood friend navigating similar societal pressures. With performances by Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap, the film delicately portrays love, companionship, and cultural tradition.
Industry Reactions
- Rana Daggubati (Spirit Media): “Winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance is a landmark for Indian cinema. Rohan has delivered a remarkable debut, and Spirit Media is proud to bring it to Indian theatres.”
- Rohan Parashuram Kanawade (Director): “This film is a part of me. To see it recognized at Sundance and now returning home with such support feels humbling.”
- Nagraj Manjule: “Sabar Bonda represents the best of what our cinema can achieve. Supporting this extraordinary debut was important.”
- Nikkhil Advani: “Sabar Bonda is authentic, universal, and unforgettable. A masterpiece that audiences must experience in theatres.”
- Saie Tamhankar: “The honesty and tenderness of the storytelling make this film unforgettable.”
- Vikramaditya Motwane: “For a self-taught filmmaker to win at Sundance with his debut is remarkable. This film is truly special.”
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Global recognition and distribution
Developed under the Venice Biennale College Cinema (2022–23) and showcased at Film Bazaar Co-Production Market, Venice Gap Financing Market, and Goes to Cannes, Sabar Bonda has been shaped by a global collaborative effort.
Produced by an international team including Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki, Kaushik Ray, Naren Chandavarkar, Sidharth Meer, and Hareesh Reddypalli, with Neha Kaul as co-producer, the film also boasts support from acclaimed actor Jim Sarbh as associate producer.
While Spirit Media handles the India release, the film has secured North American distribution with Strand Releasing, with MPM Premium overseeing global sales.
Key Credits – Sabar Bonda
- Director & Screenwriter: Rohan Parashuram Kanawade
- Cast: Bhushaan Manoj, Jayshri Jagtap, Suraaj Suman
- Cinematography: Vikas Urs
- Editing: Anadi Athaley
- Sound Design: Anirban Borthakur & Naren Chandavarkar
- Costume Design: Sachin Lovalekar
With its September 19 theatrical release, Sabar Bonda is poised to bring its universal yet deeply rooted Marathi narrative to audiences across India.
