Home / Arts and Entertainment / Indian Gay Drama 'Cactus Pears' Debuts in UK
Indian Gay Drama 'Cactus Pears' Debuts in UK
9 Apr
Summary
- Film opens in UK and Ireland on June 19th.
- It won Sundance World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury prize.
- Director embarks on a 10-day UK Q&A tour.
The Marathi-language film 'Cactus Pears,' a historic winner at Sundance, will premiere in U.K. and Ireland cinemas on June 19, 2026. This acclaimed drama follows a young man's return to his ancestral village in Maharashtra, where he navigates tradition, familial pressures, and a deepening intimate connection with a childhood friend.
Having captivated audiences at over 85 festivals worldwide, 'Cactus Pears' previously secured the grand jury prize at Sundance and the inaugural SXSW London in 2025. The film has already seen theatrical releases in India, the U.S., Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.
Director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade will embark on a 10-day national Q&A tour starting June 16, 2026, beginning at BFI Southbank in London. This tour aims to engage with U.K. audiences and support the film's theatrical rollout. The film's producers expressed pride in bringing this story of queer South Asian representation to the U.K. after successful runs in other territories.
'Cactus Pears' has garnered praise for its sensitive portrayal of emotional complexities and its universal themes. Supported by various development programs, including Venice Biennale College Cinema, the film is a testament to authentic storytelling and the amplification of marginalized voices.
