It was a celebration of cinema, storytelling, and star power as the red carpet lit up for the special screening of Sabar Bonda (also known as Cactus Pears), the critically acclaimed Marathi-language romantic drama that’s already making waves globally. The event saw a beautifully diverse mix of Bollywood and indie darlings in attendance, all there to support the groundbreaking film.
Rasika Dugal arrived hand-in-hand with husband Mukul Chadda, while filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar made an appearance with his wife Renu Namboodiri. Also spotted were Richa Sinha, internet sensation Bhuvan Bam, and the charming trio of Gen Z stars — Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, and Gurfateh Pirzada. Industry heavyweights like Nikkhil Advani, Neha Dhupia, and Angad Bedi also turned up, making it a full house of love, respect, and support for regional cinema.
Directed and written by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, Sabar Bonda tells the poignant story of Anand, a city-dweller who returns to his ancestral village after his father's death, only to confront grief, family expectations, and an emotional reunion with a childhood friend, Balya. The film stars Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap, delivering performances that have been praised as “quietly powerful” and “achingly intimate.”
After winning the prestigious World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Sabar Bonda has become a symbol of Marathi cinema’s growing global recognition. Its Indian theatrical run, distributed by Spirit Media, the banner owned by Rana Daggubati, kicked off in September to enthusiastic response.
With its emotionally rich storytelling, tender visuals, and a universal theme of love and loss, Sabar Bonda is not just a film—it’s a cinematic experience that’s putting Marathi-language storytelling on the international map.