The Marathi-language film Cactus Pears (original title Sabar Bonda) has added another accolade to its growing list of honors by winning the Best Feature Film award at the first-ever SXSW London festival. The announcement was made by the festival’s features jury, which included writer-director Julia Jackman, actor Archie Madekwe, and actor-writer Susan Wokoma.
Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade in his feature debut, Cactus Pears tells the story of Anand, a man in his thirties who returns to his rural hometown in western India to observe a traditional 10-day mourning period following his father’s death. During this time, Anand forms a close bond with Balya, a local farmer who is determined to remain unmarried. As the mourning period ends, Anand faces an important decision about their relationship.
At the SXSW London closing gala, jury member Susan Wokoma praised the film, calling it “a stunning portrait of love and tenderness and beauty in and amongst grief.” She highlighted how the film shows two people finding hope and love despite cultural, religious, and familial challenges.
The film also received a special jury mention for Gemma Blasco’s Fury, particularly recognizing lead actress Ángela Cervantes’s performance.
Cactus Pears first premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema Dramatic category. It was the first Marathi-language film to be featured at Sundance. Since then, it has won the Audience Choice award and a Special Jury Mention for the leading duo at the Indian Film Festival Los Angeles, as well as Audience Choice and Outstanding Performance awards at the Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Rohan Kanawade, who grew up in a Mumbai slum with a chauffeur father and homemaker mother, expressed his excitement about the SXSW London win. He said the recognition confirms that authentic human stories transcend boundaries. He also noted the warm reception from the UK audience, with screenings selling out, and said it motivates him to bring Sabar Bonda to cinemas worldwide.
Kanawade transitioned from a career in interior design to filmmaking. His short films have been screened internationally, and Cactus Pears was developed through prestigious programs such as the Venice Biennale College Cinema 2022-2023, NFDC Film Bazaar, Venice Gap Financing Market, and Goes to Cannes. He is represented by Cinetic Media.
The film’s production team includes Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki, Kaushik Ray, Naren Chandavarkar, Sidharth Meer, and Hareesh Reddypalli, with co-producer Jim Sarbh and associate producer Rajesh Parwatkar. Executive producer Ilann Girard also contributed to the project.
Producer Neeraj Churi of Lotus Visual Productions remarked on the film’s global resonance, saying, “To see the film connect so powerfully with audiences and juries across continents is incredibly moving.”
World sales for Cactus Pears are handled by MPM Premium, while Strand Releasing manages its U.S. distribution. The film is set for a theatrical release later this year.
Cactus Pears has been widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of grief, love, and queer identity in a rural Indian setting. It offers a deeply personal and tender look at the challenges faced by two men navigating societal expectations and family traditions, marking a significant milestone for regional Indian cinema on the international stage.
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