Rohan Kanawade’s feature directorial debut, Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda) , first made waves at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it was awarded the prestigious World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic. The film has since continued capturing hearts around the world.

Cactus Pears observes Anand (Bhushaan Manoj), a Mumbai call-centre worker who returns to the West Indian countryside to fulfil his role in a 10-day mourning ritual, following his father’s passing.

Throughout the 10-day period, Anand reconnects with his childhood friend Balya (Suraaj Suman), a farmer living in the village, and the two share a tender, romantic relationship.

Cactus Pears is loosely based on director Kanawade’s own lived experience of mourning his father in his ancestral village and the claustrophobic press

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