Image Source: Zoom Tv
Critically acclaimed Marathi film Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, will stream on Netflix from February 6, 2026. The film, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2025, explores a tender queer love story while addressing themes of grief, family, and identity.
Show more
The award-winning Marathi film Sabar Bonda, also known as Cactus Pears, is finally arriving on OTT. Directed by debutant Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the film made history as the first Indian fiction feature to win the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival 2025. After a theatrical release in September 2025, it now makes its much-awaited digital debut.
Notable Updates
-
OTT Release Date & Platform: Streaming begins on Netflix from February 6, 2026.
-
Cast: Stars Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman in lead roles, supported by Jayshri Jagtap, Nitin Bansode, Harish Baraskar, Ram Daund, Vidya Joshi, Hemant Kadam, and Rani.
-
Storyline: A semi-autobiographical narrative following Anand, a city-dweller navigating grief and familial expectations during a 10-day mourning ritual in his ancestral village, while discovering love and identity.
-
Critical Acclaim: Widely praised as one of the best films of 2025, celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of queer relationships and cultural authenticity.
-
Industry Impact: Marks a turning point for regional LGBTQ+ cinema, gaining global recognition and mainstream OTT distribution.
Major Takeaways
-
Sabar Bonda is a milestone in Indian queer storytelling, blending personal narrative with universal themes.
-
Its Netflix release ensures global accessibility, amplifying Marathi cinema’s reach.
-
The film’s success highlights growing acceptance and representation of LGBTQ+ stories in mainstream platforms.
Sources: Times Now (Feb 5, 2026); Cinema Express
Stay Ahead – Explore Now!
Soulful Notes, Timeless Honour: AR Rahman Launches Bharat Maestro Awards to Celebrate Indian Classical Legends
Advertisement
Advertisement