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Rohan Kanawade’s maiden film feature Sabar Bonda is slated for a theatrical release on September 19, 2025. Executive producer Nikkhil Advani spoke about the movie, its prestigious win at the Sundance Film Festival and more. For those unaware, the movie won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema: Dramatic category at the festival.

Nikkhil opened up about it, saying, “To become the first-ever Indian fiction feature to win at Sundance is not just a milestone, it marks a turning point for Indian cinema on the global stage.”

He further added, “What Sabar Bonda has achieved is historic. Sundance is where some of the most iconic voices of world cinema – Christopher Nolan, Wes Anderson, the Coen Brothers were first discovered, and now, through Rohan and Sabar Bonda, India stands on that same map of discovery and credibility.”

He added, “What makes this moment truly special is that the honour has gone to a story like Sabar Bonda, a film that portrays India with rare honesty and affection, an India where tradition and progress co-exist. It is a story deeply rooted in our soil, yet utterly universal in its resonance.”

Talking about the writer and director Rohan Kanawade, Nikkhil said, “Rohan Kanawade represents the very best of a new generation of storytellers. His journey from humble beginnings to the world’s most prestigious stage is a reminder of why we make films: to connect, to move, to endure. As an Executive Producer, I am honoured to back his vision, but more than that, as an Indian filmmaker, I feel immense pride in what Sundance Grand Jury Prize win means for all of us. This is not just Rohan’s victory, it is India’s.”

Interestingly, the trailer of the movie was launched today at a special press event in Mumbai. The film is distributed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, which previously distributed the acclaimed Cannes Grand Prix winner All We Imagine as Light in India.

Now, acclaimed filmmakers Nagraj Manjule, Nikkhil Advani, Saie Tamhankar and Vikramaditya Motwane have come on board as Executive Producers for the movie.

Also Read: Sabar Bonda Review: An Ode to Queer Love

The 22-year-old has been charged with murder and is facing the death penalty if convicted at trial. 

​The 22-year-old has been charged with murder and is facing the death penalty if convicted at trial.