Sabar Bonda trailer review: This internationally acclaimed venture promises a tender exploration of queer love and companionship

Written and directed by Rohan Kanawade, Sabar Bonda is the first-ever Indian fiction feature to win the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Rohan Kanawade’s internationally acclaimed film Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) is set for its India release this September, with Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media backing the project. The story, which explores the taboo relationship between two men in rural Maharashtra, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and went on to win the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the festival, becoming the first Indian feature to do so. The film centres on Anand (Bhushaan Manoj), a man from the city who returns to his hometown and reconnects romantically with his childhood friend Balya (Suraaj Suman). 

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The trailer opens on a poignant note with Anand preparing to leave for a 10-day mourning ritual to his ancestral village, and his mother insisting that he changes his black T-shirt as that is something which is ‘unacceptable in their community’ and Anand quietly replying ‘it’s grey and not black’ setting the tone for the emotional and societal conflicts awaiting the character skilfully well. The 1 minute 56 second clip then features Anand grappling with his personal loss and familial pressures, in his hometown away from Mumbai and finding solace in Balya, who is facing similar societal expectations. Featuring a promising cast, the film, by the look of the trailer, seems to capture the complexities of personal relationships forged under challenging circumstances delicately well, while also showcasing the courage it takes to honor one’s truth.

Speaking at the release of the trailer and on the support from industry stalwarts championing the film, Rohan Kanawade said, “This film is a part of me, shaped by the people and moments that have made me who I am. To watch it grow from an idea to finding 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. What makes this journey even more meaningful is the support of incredible filmmakers like Nagraj Manjule, Nikkhil Advani, Saie Tamhankar and Vikramaditya Motwane who have come on board as Executive Producers. To have such voices championing Sabar Bonda is both an honor and a source of great strength.”

Rana Daggubati, who was also present for the trailer launch, mentioned, “Sabar Bonda is a tender yet powerful film, 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.”

Sabar Bonda is set to release in theatres across India on September 19, 2025.