It is the only Indian film selected in the Discovery Programme, featuring the first and second films of emerging filmmakers from the whole world
Our Bureau
Toronto
A famous writer-director Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s debut Marathi feature film “Sthal” (A Match) has been scheduled for its world premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival 2023 from September 7 to 17.
This Marathi feature film is the only Indian film selected in the Discovery Programme, which showcases the first and second features of emerging filmmakers from around the world.
“Sthal” is an attempt to portray the tradition of arranged marriages prevalent in rural India, where the single-minded pursuit of a girl’s marriage overshadows the very sustenance of life. It is a story depicted from the perspective of a young girl, Savita, describing the patriarchy, colorism, and social evil rooted deeply in Indian society.
Jayant’s native village in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district was the location for shooting the film, with a fresh cast of first-time actors from the village with Nandini Chikte starring as the protagonist Savita along with Taranath Khiratkar, Suyog Dhawas, Sangita Sonekar, Sandip Somalkar, Swati Ulmale, Sandip Parkhi, Mansi Pawar and Gauri Badki.
This film is a production of Dhun, a Production Company run by Jayant Digambar Somalkar, Karan Grover, Riga Malhotra, and Shefali Bhushan.
Jayant, who co-wrote and co-directed the Amazon Prime original series “Guilty Minds” said, “I can say that my protagonist Savita found her first ‘match’ and that too from a foreign land! I am overwhelmed and proud that I will be able to showcase my village and my people on a global platform. People who never dreamt of facing a film camera are going to be part of one of the best and most prestigious film festivals in the world, TIFF.”
Producer Bhushan, who wrote and directed “Guilty Minds”, said it is special to see her maiden production premiere at TIFF.
Grover said the film is a genuine attempt to tell a story that’s true for “several young women across the country.”
