‘Sabar Bonda’ OTT release: When and where to watch Sundance-winning Marathi LGBTQ+ film

The critically acclaimed Marathi-language LGBTQ+ romantic drama 'Sabar Bonda' is now streaming on OTT. For viewers and filmmakers alike, the release marks relief, validation and hope.

The Sundance-winning film had already earned global praise; however, its digital release remained uncertain for a long time.

A long wait for a digital release

Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and later released in Indian theatres. Despite its awards and strong word of mouth, the film struggled to secure an OTT platform. The delay highlighted the challenges faced by independent regional cinema, with many questioning how award-winning films continue to fight for digital visibility in a content-heavy streaming landscape.

Streamer announcement

On Friday, Netflix confirmed the release with a poetic announcement. The post read, “Between rituals of loss and moments of connection, a new sense of belonging emerges. Watch Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), Sundance Film Festival award winner, now on Netflix.”The announcement instantly resonated with audiences who had been waiting to watch the film beyond theatres.

Director opens up on emotional toll

Earlier, Kanawade spoke to The Hollywood Reporter India about the prolonged silence from OTT platforms.

He said, “I keep getting messages from people saying they want to watch the film. I was surprised that a film which received so much recognition wasn’t getting any response from OTT platforms.”He also spoke about the sacrifices made by the producers. “My main producer mortgaged his Mumbai house to make this film. The film gets visibility, but what about the people who put their lives and money into it?” His words reflected the emotional weight behind independent filmmaking.

Why the film matters

Sabar Bonda holds a historic place as the first Marathi-language feature to premiere at Sundance. It won the Grand Jury Prize and later earned the Audience Award and Best Performance for Bhushaan Manoj at the 2025 Inside Out Film and Video Festival.The story follows Anand and his reunion with childhood friend Balya, played by Suraaj Suman. Set against a rural backdrop, the film explores grief, intimacy and queer identity with quiet honesty.