Exploring Love and Loss in the Marathi Film 'Sabar Bonda'

A Deep Dive into 'Sabar Bonda'

Rohan Kanawade’s film Sabar Bonda resonates with a profound intensity, subtly exploring the complexities of male love. This Marathi-language feature delicately navigates the secretive nature of its theme: the affection between men.

Following the death of Anand’s father, he reluctantly returns to his ancestral village in rural Maharashtra. Anand (played by Bhushaan Manoj) and his mother Suman (Jayshri Jagtap) arrive in Kharshinde, where they are met with a series of mourning customs to follow.

Among the rules are: consume only black tea, refrain from cutting hair or beard, and avoid wearing a cap. Yet, one unspoken rule remains: “Don’t fall for Balya, the childhood neighbor.”

While Anand has relocated to Mumbai for work, Balya (Suraaj Suman) remains in the village, finding discreet ways to embrace his identity. Anand, grieving his father and feeling out of place among relatives, finds solace in Balya’s presence.

Kanawade’s debut is a tender, unhurried narrative of personal transformation set against unconventional backdrops. The label of 'rural gay romance' barely encapsulates the depth of Kanawade’s storytelling.

In the quiet moments they share, passion is expressed through soft touches and whispers. A hand brushes through hair, and feet linger close together. When Anand and Balya are together, it feels as if time stands still, isolating them from the outside world.

Although a significant erotic scene has been cut from the Indian release, the remaining content is still rich in sensuality.

The film’s title references the cactus pears that grow in the village, symbolizing the forbidden fruit awaiting Anand and Balya, who are navigating their grief and yearning for freedom.

Many scenes possess a dream-like quality, suggesting they are unfolding in Anand’s imagination. The emotional depth is conveyed through both staging and dialogue.

Cinematographer Vikas Urs has beautifully captured Sabar Bonda in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, creating intimate frames that resemble photographs coming to life. In several shots, only parts of the characters' faces are visible, emphasizing the nuances of their relationship.

When Anand and Balya are with their families, the stark reality of their situation becomes apparent. Their interactions take on a secretive tone, but the film avoids melodrama, despite a few tense moments.

Kanawade’s understated approach highlights the authenticity of love, regardless of its expression. However, this subtlety sometimes downplays the harsh realities of the homophobia they face, particularly Balya.

Sabar Bonda joins the limited roster of Indian queer romances, from Prem Kapoor’s Badnaam Basti (1973) to Deepa Mehta’s Fire (1996). Rather than focusing on taboo, Kanawade emphasizes the lived experiences of love, distinguishing Sabar Bonda from its predecessors.

There are echoes of Brokeback Mountain (2005) in how the romance unfolds amidst pastoral activities, while the cactus pear metaphor pays homage to Call Me By Your Name (2017). Yet, Kanawade’s portrayal of two middle-class Maharashtrian men seeking an unapproved relationship is uniquely his own.

The 116-minute film is filled with emotion, yet it never overwhelms. Sabar Bonda presents its bold themes with a gentle touch.

The lead actors effectively convey a range of emotions, reflecting the internal struggles of their characters. While Bhushaan Manoj’s portrayal of Anand is sensitive, Suraj Suman’s Balya stands out for the sacrifices he has made to be true to himself.

Also read:

In Marathi film ‘Sabar Bonda’, the forbidden fruit of gay love

How ‘Sabar Bonda’ draws us into the heads and hearts of its lovers