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Marathi film Sabar Bonda wins top prize at Sundance
The film stood out for its exploration of queer themes in rural India.
Sabar Bonda / Image - Instagram/ sundanceorg
Marathi-language feature film, Sabar Bonda, made history at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival by winning the prestigious World Cinema Grand Jury Prize in the Dramatic category.
The film, directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade was the only Indian film to premiere at the festival and stood out for its exploration of queer themes in rural India.
Sabar Bonda, co-produced by India, the United Kingdom, and Canada, features actors Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman in lead roles. It was developed under the Venice Biennale College Cinema ’23 and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Marathi script camp.
“We’re truly overwhelmed and honored! Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) wins World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic,” the team shared on Instagram. The cast and crew, including first-time producer Jim Sarbh, attended the festival for the world premiere.
The film tells the story of Anand, a city dweller who, while mourning his father in rural Maharashtra, forms a bond with a local farmer struggling to remain unmarried. As Anand’s mourning period ends, he must decide the future of his burgeoning relationship.
This marks the continuation of a remarkable streak for Indian films at Sundance, following awards in previous years, including the 2024 wins for Girls Will Be Girls and Nocturnes.
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