Sabar Bonda: A Touching Tale of Love and Loss in Rural Maharashtra

Exploring Love and Memories in Sabar Bonda

The Marathi film Sabar Bonda, directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, is set in a village close to Sangamner in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. This poignant narrative delves into how shared childhood experiences between two men evolve into a forbidden romance.

Following the death of Anand’s father in Mumbai, he travels with his mother Suman to his father's ancestral home to observe the customary mourning period of ten days. Anand's family provides him with a lengthy list of expectations. However, what Anand (played by Bhushaan Manoj) does not anticipate is encountering his old friend Balya (Suraaj Suman).

Balya becomes a source of solace for Anand, offering him a much-needed escape from his oppressive family environment. Their bond is beautifully symbolized by the sabar bonda, a type of cactus pear that flourishes in the area and lends its name to the film.

Kanawade’s debut feature is set to have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, scheduled from January 23 to February 2. Sabar Bonda stands out as the sole Indian entry in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition, marking a significant milestone as the first Marathi film to achieve this honor. For Kanawade, a self-taught filmmaker with a background in interior design, this recognition is a remarkable accomplishment.

In an interview, the 38-year-old director shared insights about the inspiration behind Sabar Bonda, the hurdles faced during production, and his portrayal of same-sex love in a rural context. Here are some key excerpts from the conversation.

Sabar Bonda is rooted in personal experiences.

The film draws from my own journey of mourning my father in my ancestral village back in 2016. I aimed to reimagine the ten days I spent there, which felt suffocating. I struggled to process my grief as people constantly inquired about my marriage plans.

I pondered what it would have been like to have a friend who understood my identity as a gay man and with whom I could share my feelings. This thought sparked the script development in 2020.

Although I filmed in my mother’s village Kharshinde, I was raised in Mumbai. My father worked as a chauffeur, while my mother was an illiterate homemaker. Despite studying interior design, my aspiration to become a filmmaker never waned.

I recall reading Annabhau Sathe’s Krushnakathchya Katha, particularly the story Shmashanatil Sona, which was so vividly written that I could visualize it cinematically. I occasionally penned stories and made a short film in 2007 while working as an interior designer.

My father, despite his struggles, supported my dream of filmmaking, encouraging me to pursue my passions wholeheartedly.

The film presents a unique dynamic between the characters.

Anand was easier to write since he reflects my own experiences. Balya required more thought.

During my short film projects, I received feedback from queer individuals in rural areas who were comfortable with their identities but faced familial pressure, especially regarding marriage. One shared a conflict with his parents that is mirrored in the film, which helped shape Balya's character.

Sexuality is a natural aspect of humanity. Even men in villages can be at ease with their identities, a portrayal often missing in queer cinema. We frequently see struggles and doubts, but it’s essential to also depict those who are confident in their desires.

The film's visual style is distinctive.

I sought a cinematographer for three years and was impressed by Vikas Urs's work in Kannada films. I communicated to him that the film should appear ultra-simple and authentic, capturing life as it unfolds.

I provided Vikas with photographs of potential locations as references. The film was largely storyboarded before shooting commenced.

I experimented with various aspect ratios, ultimately choosing 1.66:1 to achieve the desired visual depth and intimacy. The rounded edges of the frames evoke nostalgia for the celluloid films of my childhood.

The film often features static shots, enhancing the theme of memory.

Finding the right actors for the roles.

The casting process spanned three years, with a focus on authenticity in performances. I wanted actors whose appearances resonated with the characters' realities.

Many actors declined auditions, but Bhushaan connected deeply with the subject matter and was cast immediately after his audition. I then asked him to recommend someone for Balya, leading me to Suraj, who resonated with the script.

Jayshri Jagtap, portraying Anand’s mother Suman, has experience in theater and television, marking her first significant film role. Other cast members were sourced from local theater groups.

The film's title and its significance.

The title Sabar Bonda refers to the cactus pear, which is tough on the outside yet tender within. Initially, we struggled to find a sabar bonda tree for filming due to a lack of rain.

We eventually sourced the fruit from farmers in Gujarat and South India, while the tree itself was created using visual effects.

The cactus symbolizes the complexity of the characters' lives, navigating their challenges while remaining true to themselves.