Cactus Pears

Sabar Bonda

Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s debut feature is a sensitive romantic drama exploring grief, tradition, longing and the realities of lower-class queer life in India.

  • Director

    Rohan Parashuram Kanawade

  • With

    Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, Jayshri Jagtap

  • India-Canada-UK 2025. 112min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    15

  • English subtitles

  • A Lotus Visual Productions release

When his father dies, Anand leaves his bustling city life in Mumbai to return to his home village in the countryside to observe the traditional mourning period. Although his parents accepted his sexuality, Anand’s extended family remains unaware and he soon finds himself navigating subtle yet persistent pressure to marry. His only solace lies in reconnecting with Balya, his childhood friend. Kanawade’s beautifully constructed drama, shot in the village where his mother was raised, was partly inspired by his own experiences. Delicately layered soundscapes transport us into this richly verdant landscape, as the the tender, understated performances of Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman draw us into their world. Winner of the World Cinema Grand Prize at Sundance Film Festival, whose jury included Daniel Kaluuya and Rafiki director Wanuri Kahiu, Cactus Pears is a rare and affecting delight.

Kimberley Sheehan, Lead Programmer

+ Two Black Boys in Paradise

UK 2025. Director Baz Sells. 9min. Certificate 15

This tender animation of Dean Atta’s homonymous poem sees two boys on a journey of self-acceptance and love – for each other and themselves.

Contains scenes of racism and homophobia.

See a Preview screening of Cactus Pears with a Q&A with director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade on Tuesday 16 June 18:15 NFT2 (the short Two Black Boys in Paradise will not be part of this screening event).