Marathi cinema has a gift for finding big emotion in small, rooted stories, and Sohla is one of the finest recent examples. Written and directed by Saaikat Bagbaan and presented by Sonali Bendre, this coming-of-age drama follows a carefree village boy whose idea of celebration changes forever. In under two hours, it earns its smiles and its tears. Here is our complete Sohla movie review, covering the story, performances, technical aspects, strengths, weaknesses and final verdict.
Sohla is a sincere, beautifully acted coming-of-age drama set in rural Maharashtra. It follows Pashya, a spoiled, carefree boy eagerly awaiting his Sohla (coming-of-age celebration), whose world is shaken by a sudden change in his family’s life. Instead of the loud, melodramatic treatment agrarian stories often get, the film takes a gentle and truthful look at village life. The performances are the heart of it, especially the bond between father and son. It runs under two hours, is well paced, and leaves you smiling through your tears.
Sohla Cast and Crew
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Sohla |
| Language | Marathi |
| Genre | Drama, Coming-of-Age |
| Release Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Certificate | U |
| Director and Writer | Saaikat Bagbaan |
| Presenter | Sonali Bendre |
| Producers | Goldie Behl (Rose Audio Visuals); Sachin Srivastav, Ratna Srivastava, Kavita Bagban (Carryon Fiilms) |
| Distribution | Cinepolis (all-India theatrical) |
| Cast | Devdatta Ghone (Pashya), Pravin Dalimbkar (Father), Varsha Malwadkar (Nirmala), Vaishnavi Ghodke (Gauri), Alessandra Whelan Merediz |
Sohla Plot Summary
Pashya is a flamboyant, fun-loving boy in a small Maharashtrian village. He is inspired by Bollywood and dreams of stealing the spotlight at his own Sohla, the coming-of-age ceremony he has waited for. Life at home is warm, with a doting father, a cautious mother and a studious sister. But a catastrophic change shatters the excitement and forces Pashya to see the world with fresh eyes. We won’t spoil what happens next, but the film’s emotional payoff is something you will carry out of the theatre.
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Performances: Every Actor Shines
Devdatta Ghone as Pashya: He carries the film with ease. His Pashya is mischievous, self-obsessed and utterly lovable, and the way he moves from carefree joy to quiet maturity is the emotional spine of the story. You will remember this child long after the credits.
Pravin Dalimbkar as the Father: He is warm, grounded and deeply believable. His scenes with Devdatta Ghone are genuine and heartfelt, and they are the soul of the film.
Varsha Malwadkar as Nirmala: She brings nuance and quiet strength to the cautious, caring mother. Her restrained, hard-hitting moments add real emotional weight.
Vaishnavi Ghodke as Gauri: She is natural and effective as the studious sister, with a presence that feels lived-in. Her performance adds depth and heart to the family dynamic.
Alessandra Whelan Merediz: She is a welcome addition to the ensemble and adds to the film’s warm, humane canvas.
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Technical Analysis
Direction
Saaikat Bagbaan makes a confident feature debut. He handles agrarian realities with honesty, avoiding performative drama and letting the story unfold through a child’s innocent perspective. The writing is tight and the film is well paced.
Cinematography
The visuals are simple and unfussy in the first half, matching the everyday rhythm of village life. The second half opens up with beautiful symbolism that lifts the emotional impact.
Music/Score
Music credits were not publicly available at the time of writing. The film’s emotional beats land with sincerity, supporting the mix of innocent joy and deep pathos.
Editing
The editing keeps the narrative lean and engaging, with a runtime of under two hours and no dull stretches.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Authentic, non-melodramatic portrayal of rural Maharashtra
- Outstanding performances across the entire cast
- The father-son bond, which is genuine and moving
- Symbolic, beautiful cinematography in the second half
- Tight writing and crisp pacing
- Moments of innocent joy balanced with deep pathos
Weaknesses
- The first half’s visuals are plain, though intentionally so
- A few minor technical errors that don’t dent the experience
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5 Stars
Sohla is a rare film that is both deeply moving and gently uplifting. With a superb ensemble, honest direction and a story that stays with you, it is a must-watch for lovers of heartfelt Marathi cinema. Bring tissues, and expect a smile on your face as you leave.
What is the certificate rating of Sohla?
Sohla has been certified U, so it is suitable for viewers of all ages.
Is Sohla suitable for children and families?
Yes. It is a family drama told through a child’s eyes, with an emotional but gentle tone, which makes it a good family watch.
Is Sohla based on a true story?
No official claim has been made that it is a true story. It is, however, rooted in the real-life realities faced by agrarian families in Maharashtra.
