Writer-director Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s debut Marathi feature film ‘Sthal (A Match) had its World Premiere to a packed house of audience at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival 2023. It’s the only Indian film to be selected in the Discovery Programme, which showcases the first and second features of emerging filmmakers from around the world. Sthal (A Match) explores the tradition of arranged marriages in rural India, where the relentless pursuit of a girl’s marriage overshadows the very sustenance of life. It is narrated from the perspective of a young girl, Savita, highlighting patriarchy, colorism and social evil deeply rooted in society. The film shot in Jayant’s native village, Dongargaon in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra, features an ensemble cast of first-time actors from the village starring Nandini Chikte as the protagonist Savita along with Taranath Khiratkar, Sangita Sonekar, Suyog Dhawas, Sandip Somalkar, Sandip Parkhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki & Mansi Pawar. The film is produced by Dhun, a production company co-founded by Karan Grover, Shefali Bhushan, Jayant Digambar Somalkar & Riga Malhotra.
Jayant Digambar Somalkar wrote & directed an award-winning short Iyatta: Class (2016) and also co-wrote and co-directed the Amazon Prime Original Series Guilty Minds (2022). Elated about the World Premiere, Director Jayant Digambar Somalkar says, “I am overwhelmed. I never expected this kind of a response from the audience at the film’s World Premiere at TIFF. People connected to the story, the characters and every nuances of the film. It seemed to have touched their hearts. We had a house full Premiere show and the second screening is also already houseful.” The producer Shefali Bhushan, who wrote and directed Jugni and Guilty Minds says, “Men and women from many different nationalities and ages saw the film and responded whole heartedly to it at the premiere. It’s a great feeling to have the film speak to such a diverse group and leave them thinking.” The producer Karan Grover says, “Sthal is a reflection of what we are or what we could be as a society. As a producer I deeply felt the need to share a story with viewers for a positive change that I hope to bring with Sthal. Even if it helps a few woman gain the self belief and assure parents of a change, we would have seemed to be done our job well. Hope you love our effort”
