Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s debut Marathi feature ‘Sthal (A Match)’ wins hearts at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023

In a dazzling showcase of Marathi cinema, Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s award-winning debut, ‘Sthal (A Match),’ graced the South Asia Competition Section of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The film’s premiere ignited a fervent response from the audience, setting the stage for a new wave of Marathi filmmaking. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable cinematic creation.

A Star-Studded Premiere

The premiere was graced by the entire primary cast, most of whom were setting foot in Mumbai for the first time. A significant portion of the film’s crew was also in attendance, adding to the excitement. Joining the festivities were the acclaimed actors Shriya Pilgaonkar and Varun Mitra, along with notable filmmakers Chhatrapal Ninawe (Ghaat), Ajitpal Singh (Fire In The Mountains), and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi.

An Insightful Q&A Session

Following the screening, the audience was treated to an engaging Q&A session with the film’s team. Filmmaker Bikas Mishra took the reins as the moderator, while director Jayant Digambar Somalkar shared valuable insights into the film’s production. He talked about the challenges of shooting in his native village and collaborating with a cast of non-professional actors, giving us a glimpse behind the scenes.

A Global Triumph

Before its premiere in Mumbai, ‘Sthal (A Match)’ already achieved global recognition. The film made its world debut at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, where it clinched the NETPAC award for the best film from the Asia-Pacific region. This accolade further solidified the film’s status as a cinematic gem.

Unraveling Tradition in Rural India

‘Sthal (A Match)’ delves deep into the age-old tradition of arranged marriages in rural India, where the pursuit of a girl’s marriage often overshadows the essence of life itself. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Savita, a young girl, shedding light on the prevalent issues of patriarchy, colorism, and other social evils ingrained in society.

A Tale from the Heartland

The film was shot in Jayant’s native village, Dongargaon, nestled in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. It boasts an ensemble cast of first-time actors from the village, with Nandini Chikte in the lead role as Savita. Other talented actors like Taranath Khiratkar, Sangita Sonekar, Suyog Dhawas, Sandip Somalkar, Sandip Parkhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki, and Mansi Pawar also grace the screen.

A Proud Production

‘Sthal (A Match)’ is brought to life by Dhun, a production company co-founded by Karan Grover, Shefali Bhushan, Jayant Digambar Somalkar, and Riga Malhotra. Their dedication to the project shines through in every frame.

A Director’s Journey

Notably, Jayant Digambar Somalkar, the creative force behind the film, has previously crafted the award-winning short ‘Iyatta: Class’ (2016). He also co-wrote and co-directed the Amazon Prime Original Series ‘Guilty Minds’ (2022). His talent and vision have now culminated in the creation of ‘Sthal (A Match).’

The Thrill of the Asia Premiere

Director Jayant Digambar Somalkar expressed his excitement about the Asia Premiere, saying, “We have received an amazing audience response at MAMI, even better than we did at TIFF. MAMI, for me, is my home ground and a film institute apart from being my favorite film festival. I have never been to a film school. Whatever I have learnt about filmmaking is by watching films at MAMI. So I am really happy and thrilled with all these responses.”

Resounding Acclaim

Producer Shefali Bhushan was equally thrilled with the response, noting, “The response has been very, very good. This is the film’s third screening, the first one at MAMI, and it has been a houseful show, just like both the screenings at TIFF. The audience has also been fabulous. This screening had an even better response than the first two screenings since there were many who understand Marathi. They are getting every little nuance of every word. It’s been a stupendous response so far.”

An Independent Triumph

Producer Karan Grover echoed the excitement, saying, “Really delighted to see the response. It is really unbelievable. An effort that is totally independent and so unadulterated, and it has resulted in getting a response that is so phenomenal.”

‘Sthal (A Match)’ has certainly made its mark on the global stage, and it’s a testament to the creativity and dedication of its creators. With a powerful narrative and a cast of fresh talents, this Marathi gem promises to continue its journey, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.