Independent filmmaker Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s Marathi debut feature Sthal (A Match), which has already been screened at nearly 30 major international film festivals and won more than 16 awards – is all set to hit the cinemas in India on March 7, right in time for International Women’s Day.
With Nandini Chikte playing the lead character of Savita, the movie also features a host first-time actors including Taranath Khiratkar, Sangita Sonekar, Suyog Dhawas, Sandip Somalkar, Sandip Parkhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki and Mansi Pawar. Presented by legendary actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sthal delves into the ‘tradition of arranged marriages in rural India, where the relentless pursuit of a girl’s marriage overshadows the very sustenance of life’. The story is narrated from the perspective of a young girl, as she navigates patriarchy, colourism and social evils.
Filmed in Jayant’s native village, Dongargaon, located in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur District, Sthal was honoured with the prestigious NETPAC Award in the ‘Best Asia Pacific Film’ category at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival.
Speaking about the film, engineer-turned-director Jayant, who is also known for his work in Amazon Prime web series Guilty Minds, said, “Coming from a humble rural background, I have been fascinated by grassroot level stories that are socially relevant and affect the lives of common people. Through Sthal, my goal as a director is to bring out the realities faced by young women like Savita, who are almost sacrificed in the urgency for getting them “married off”. The film delves into themes of patriarchy, colourism and societal pressures. To capture the authenticity and rawness, I chose to shoot on real locations with real people from the village as cast – all non-actors. By doing so, I sought to create an immersive experience and allow viewers to connect with the characters at a more emotional level.”
The 104-minute film is produced by Shefali Bhushan, Karan Grover, Riga Malhotra and Ashish Narkhedkar under the banner of Dhun.
