In a triumphant continuation of its festival journey, the Marathi-language feature Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda) has clinched the Best Feature Film Award at the inaugural SXSW London festival.
The win was announced by the festival’s esteemed jury, composed of writer-director Julia Jackman, actor Archie Madekwe, and actor-writer Susan Wokoma. Cactus Pears, directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade in his debut feature, explores the complex emotional terrain between two men bound by societal expectations in rural India.
The movie follows Anand, a city dweller in his 30s, who returns to his ancestral village for a 10-day mourning ritual after his father’s death. There, he forms a poignant connection with Balya, a local farmer grappling with the pressure to remain unmarried. As Anand’s time in the village draws to a close, he must confront the deeper implications of their bond and decide whether to return to his old life or embrace a new path.
At the 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 the film’s heartfelt exploration of how personal relationships can flourish amid the intersections of family, faith, and tradition.
Gemma Blasco’s Fury also earned recognition, receiving a jury special mention, especially for Ángela Cervantes’s powerful lead performance.
Cactus Pears first garnered international attention at Sundance earlier this year, where it made history as the first Marathi-language movie genre entry and secured the Grand Jury Prize: World Cinema (Dramatic). The film has since collected accolades including Audience Choice and Special Jury Mention for Best Leading Duo at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, as well as honors at the Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.
“I am so thrilled to know that Sabar Bonda won the inaugural London edition of SXSW,” Kanawade said following the announcement. “This win only cements further that authentic human stories know no boundaries.” He noted the enthusiastic U.K. reception, where the film played to sold-out audiences.
Kanawade, who was raised in a Mumbai slum by a chauffeur father and homemaker mother, made a career shift from interior design to filmmaking. His previous short films have been showcased at global festivals, and Cactus Pears was developed under the Venice Biennale College Cinema 2022–2023. The project also participated in key industry platforms such as NFDC Film Bazaar, Venice Gap Financing Market, and Cannes’ Goes to Cannes initiative.
The film is produced by an international team including Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki, Kaushik Ray, Naren Chandavarkar, Sidharth Meer, and Hareesh Reddypalli, with co-producer Jim Sarbh and executive producer Ilann Girard. World sales are managed by MPM Premium, while U.S. distribution is handled by Strand Releasing.
Producer Neeraj Churi of Lotus Visual Productions reflected on the film’s cross-cultural impact, stating, “To see the film resonate so powerfully with both audiences and juries across continents is incredibly moving.”
With its strong festival presence and powerful portrayal of marginalized movie characters, Cactus Pears continues to affirm the universal appeal of deeply human storytelling.
