Cinema VinesSonali Bendre has announced that she will be presenting the Marathi feature film Sohla, which is scheduled to hit Indian cinemas on 16 October. The film, produced by Rose Movies and CarryOn Pictures, is the first project to carry Bendre’s name as a presenter. It is written and directed by Saaikat Bagbaan, with production credits going to Sachin Srivastav, Ratna Srivastava and Kavita Bagban.
For Rose Movies, Sohla marks a significant entry into regional cinema. The studio has long aimed to showcase powerful, rooted stories that resonate across linguistic borders, and the Marathi film fits neatly into that vision. “We want to collaborate with exceptional local talent while bringing our storytelling expertise to new audiences,” a Rose Movies representative said, highlighting the studio’s commitment to regional storytelling.
Bendre explained why she chose Sohla as her first project as a presenter. “Presenting Sohla feels incredibly meaningful because it marks the beginning of a new chapter for me,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to stories that stay with you long after they’ve ended… stories that make you pause, reflect, and perhaps even see life a little differently. That’s exactly what Sohla left me with.” She added that the film’s core themes of hope, resilience and the quiet strength of ordinary people align closely with her own values. “Those are values I’ve come to hold even closer over the years, which made this feel like the right story to begin this journey with,” Bendre continued.
Speaking about the project, director and writer Saaikat Bagbaan noted the importance of having a collaborator who believes in the story as deeply as the creators do. “From the very beginning, the vision was to tell an honest, emotionally rooted story that celebrates hope and the resilience of ordinary people,” he said. “Having Rose Movies come on board and Sonali Bendre present the film gives this journey an incredible sense of encouragement. I’m grateful that they connected with the film’s heart and chose to support it while allowing us to stay true to the story we set out to tell.”
Both Bendre and Bagbaan expressed enthusiasm for the film’s release. Bendre hopes that audiences will leave the theatre feeling the same emotions she felt upon first hearing the story, while Bagbaan looks forward to viewers experiencing the film’s message on 16 October. The release of Sohla is expected to add a fresh voice to the growing landscape of Marathi cinema and showcase the potential for regional films to reach wider audiences.
