Queer Love Story Makes History at Sundance

Rohan Kanawade's debut feature, Cactus Pears, has achieved a historic milestone as the first Marathi-language film to be featured at the Sundance Film Festival. The drama not only premiered but also secured the prestigious International Grand Jury Prize, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema.

The film, set in Kanawade's home state of Maharashtra, tells a pioneering love story between two men. Kanawade shared that elements of grief, memory, and identity, influenced by the loss of his father, are woven into the narrative.

He also reflected on his upbringing in a Mumbai slum, highlighting the supportive environment provided by his parents who accepted his sexuality. The audience's positive reception stemmed from the film's hopeful conclusion, a contrast to the often tragic endings in queer cinema.