Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s acclaimed Marathi fiction feature Sabar Bonda is all set to hit Indian theatres on September 19. The film, which won the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival—the highest honor at the event—is being distributed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media. Selected from nearly 17,000 global submissions, Sabar Bonda stood out as India’s only feature in competition and made history as the first Marathi-language film to premiere at Sundance.
The film stars Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap. It narrates the journey of Anand, a city dweller dealing with personal loss and family pressures, who returns to his ancestral village to undertake a traditional 10-day mourning ritual. Set against the rugged landscapes of western India, Anand finds unexpected solace and kinship with Balya, a childhood friend facing similar societal challenges.Esteemed filmmakers Nagraj Manjule, Nikkhil Advani, Saie Tamhankar, and Vikramaditya Motwane have come on board as executive producers, lending their support and expertise to the project.
Kanawade describes the film as deeply personal:“This film is a part of me, shaped by the people and moments that have made me who I am. To watch it evolve from an idea to receiving recognition at Sundance, and now finally bringing it home, feels deeply humbling and overwhelming. Partnering with Spirit Media to release this film in India is truly special.”He also expressed gratitude for the support from renowned filmmakers:“Having incredible voices like Nagraj Manjule, Nikkhil Advani, Saie Tamhankar, and Vikramaditya Motwane championing Sabar Bonda is both an honor and a source of great strength.”
Rana Daggubati hailed Sabar Bonda as a “tender yet powerful film.” He added:“Sabar Bonda is deeply rooted in its characters while speaking to something universal. Winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance is a landmark moment for the film and for Indian cinema at large. With Sabar Bonda, Rohan has delivered a remarkable debut! Spirit Media is proud to bring this film to audiences in India and to champion its journey as it reaches the world.”
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