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by Shantiswarup Tripathi
Famous actor, singer, and director Sachin Pilgaonkar needs no introduction. A prominent figure in both Hindi and Marathi cinema for over five decades, Sachin Pilgaonkar is now venturing into a new phase of his career. Yes, he has now become a film presenter! Sachin Pilgaonkar is presenting the Marathi film Sthal, produced by Dhun Productions and written and directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar. This film is set to release in theaters on March 7, coinciding with International Women’s Day. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Kranti Jyoti Savitribai Phule, Sachin Pilgaonkar launched a new poster of Sthal on social media.
Sthal (A Match) explores the tradition of arranged marriages in rural India, where a girl’s ongoing search for a suitable groom significantly impacts her livelihood. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl, Savita, shedding light on the deep-rooted patriarchy, colorism, and social injustices within society.
This is not Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s first attempt at filmmaking. Born in a village in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Jayant Somalkar is an engineering graduate, but his creative mind led him to pursue filmmaking. His first short film Iyatta-Class was screened at various film festivals and won multiple awards. He co-wrote and co-directed the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video original series Guilty Minds. Sthal (A Match) is his directorial debut feature, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his commitment to presenting social issues in an authentic and compassionate way. Sthal premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the NETPAC Award for Best Asia Pacific Film. Since then, it has been screened at 29 major film festivals and has won over 16 awards, creating a buzz in the film industry.
The film was shot in Jayant’s ancestral village, Dongargaon, in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It features a cast of first-time actors from the village, including Taranath Kheertkar, Sangeeta Sonkar, Sujoy Dhawas, Sandeep Somalkar, Sandeep, and the lead role of Nandini Chikate, along with Parakhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki, and Mansi Pawar.
Talking about his involvement as a presenter, Sachin Pilgaonkar says, "My daughter, Shreya (Pilgaonkar), watched the film Sthal for the first time at the MAMI Festival in Mumbai and urged me to watch it as well. My wife Supriya and I later saw it at the ‘NAFA’ Film Festival in the US. We both really loved it. This film, based on rural Maharashtra, received an overwhelming response from Marathi-speaking communities abroad, which prompted me to offer my full support to the director, Jayant. When he later approached me to present the film, I immediately agreed. A great story deserves to reach its audience, and that's why I decided to present this film."
Plot Overview
Sthal (A Match) is set in a village in the Vidarbha region of India, where a determined young girl, Savita, yearns for education and a brighter future. However, her farmer parents are eagerly trying to find a suitable groom for her, and societal expectations place the pressure of marriage above her personal aspirations. Savita, being dark-skinned and shorter in stature, is seen as an extra "burden" on her parents, and finding a match for her is as difficult as getting a fair price for their crops. After facing countless rejections from potential suitors, Savita enters a world where the search for marriage has the potential to extinguish her very existence. Shot in real locations with real villagers as actors, Sthal is Jayant's first feature film and explores the deep-seated patriarchy, colorism, and social evils surrounding the tradition of arranged marriages in rural India.
Excited about the film’s release, writer-director Jayant says, “It is a moment of immense pride and joy for me to announce that Sthal, after its incredible journey and winning hearts across the globe, will finally be released in theaters on March 7, just in time for International Women’s Day. For any filmmaker, there’s no greater dream than to see their work come alive on the big screen and connect with audiences.” He continues, “The support of a legendary artist like Sachin Pilgaonkar adds another layer of significance to this journey. Growing up, his films were a cherished part of my childhood, and now to have his name associated with my film feels like a personal and profound honor.”
Jayant further elaborates, "Coming from a simple rural background, I’ve always been drawn to stories that are socially relevant and affect the lives of ordinary people. Sthal is one such story. Through this film, my aim is to bring to light the harsh realities faced by young women like Savita, who are almost sacrificed in the rush to marry them off. This film highlights issues like patriarchy, colorism, and social pressures. Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, I witnessed my sisters go through this. The idea for this film became clear when I attended a 'matchmaking' meeting with my cousin. To capture authenticity and rawness, I chose to shoot with real villagers in real locations. Doing so, I aimed to create an immersive experience and allow the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper emotional level. I was fortunate to fulfill my dream of shooting in my own village, in the very house where I was born. I was able to include my extended family in the production, some as actors and others in various production roles. The pride they felt seeing their village and their own people in the film was indescribable."
The visual aesthetics of the film portray the harsh realities of rural India, showing not only the beauty of the landscape but also the roughness of daily life. Traditional folk music connects the audience to the events in a deeper experiential way, while Western music brings the characters’ dreams to life. "Through this film, I hope to spark conversations about the tradition of arranged marriages, gender inequality, and the urgent need for change," Jayant concludes.
Talking about releasing the film on International Women’s Day, producer Shefali Bhushan adds, "I feel it's incredibly fitting that Sthal is releasing around International Women's Day, as the film raises questions about patriarchy and celebrates womanhood in both big and small ways."
The film is produced by Dhun Productions, a production company co-founded by Karan Grover, Shefali Bhushan, Jayant Digambar Somalkar, and Reega Malhotra. The company brings together a diverse blend of skills, with Karan Grover’s expertise in content marketing and music, Shefali and Jayant’s storytelling strengths, and Reega's love for films. Together, they are committed to creating meaningful, thought-provoking stories that inspire change in people’s lives. Their previous works include the feature film Jugni and the short films Iyatta and Tambur, all of which have garnered attention at various film festivals and received accolades. Sthal is their first Marathi feature film.