MUMBAI: A Marathi film about a young girl who is dark complexioned, is short, lives in Dongargaon  village in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra,, whose parents want to marry her off, but who wants to study  is a sure shot to get audiences in to cinema halls, right?

The premise is going to be tested come 7 March 2025 when Sthal (A Match) is to be released. The film’s poster was revealed  on 3 March by veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar to mark the birth anniversary of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule. Sachin is also presenting the film. 

Written and directed by by Jayant Digambar Somalkar and produced by Dhun Productions (Karan Grover, Shefali Bhushan, Jayant Digambar Somalkar & Riga Malhotra), the film’s ensemble cast consists of first time actors from Dongargaon : Nandini Chikte as the protagonist Savita along with Taranath Khiratkar, Sangita Sonekar, Suyog Dhawas, Sandip Somalkar, Sandip Parkhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki and Mansi Pawar. 

So far it has won a lot of accolades in the festival circuit: it premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the Netpac  award for the Best Asia Pacific film.. This was followed by screenings at 29 major film festivals and it has picked up 16 awards, creating a buzz in the film industry.  

“This film rooted in the rural culture of Maharashtra got such an overwhelming response even from the Marathi diaspora in America, that I immediately offered my support in every way to  director Jayant,” said Pilgaonkar.

“Through this film, 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, colorism, and societal pressures,” says Jayant. “The visual aesthetic of the film reflects the stark reality of rural India, capturing the beauty of the landscape as also the harshness of everyday life. The use of the traditional folk music makes the viewer connect to the events in a more experiential way while the western, brings the characters’ dreams alive surrealistically.  Through this film, I hope to spark conversations around the tradition of arranged marriage, gender inequality, and the pressing need for change.”

"I feel it is so appropriate that we are releasing Sthal on the eve of International Women's  Day,”  shares producer Shefali Bhusan.” because in big and small ways the film questions patriarchy and celebrates womanhood."

Now let’s hope the Marathi film watching audience resonates with twhat she is saying.