Unions in India are frequently depicted as festive and opulent gatherings, where families unite to celebrate customs. Nevertheless, for numerous women, the arranged marriage process may be a profoundly troubling ordeal, stemming from societal pressures and patriarchal norms. The Marathi-language film Sthal: A Match
reveals this often overlooked aspect of Indian matrimonial ceremonies, providing an unvarnished view of the hardships encountered by women and their families throughout the process of finding a suitable match.
sheds light on this lesser-seen side of Indian weddings, offering an unfiltered look at the indignities faced by women and their families during the matchmaking process.
narrates the tale of Savita, a young woman eager to seek higher education and develop a career. Yet, her ambitions are eclipsed by her father’s constant endeavors to find her a spouse. Daulatrao Wandhare, a cotton farmer facing hardships, is resolute in arranging a suitable marriage for his daughter while dealing with the struggles of his trade. For Daulatrao, an advantageous marriage proposal is as crucial as obtaining a just value for his harvests.
follows the story of Savita, a young woman with dreams of pursuing higher education and building a career. However, her aspirations are overshadowed by her father’s relentless efforts to find her a husband. Daulatrao Wandhare, a struggling cotton farmer, is determined to secure a good match for his daughter while grappling with the challenges of his livelihood. For Daulatrao, a favorable marriage alliance is as important as getting a fair price for his crops.
Directed by Jayant Digambar Somalkar, the film stands out for its raw depiction of arranged marriage rituals and the emotional toll they take on women. Unlike Bollywood’s glamorous portrayal of weddings, Sthal
focuses on the humiliation and objectification that many women endure. The film’s authenticity is further enhanced by its cast of first-time actors, all chosen from the same village where the movie was shot. Nandini Chikte, who plays Savita, delivers a powerful performance that has earned her multiple accolades.
establishes the mood for the narrative. In a dream-like scenario, Savita questions a potential suitor, humorously flipping conventional gender roles. Accompanied by her female family members, she observes the anxious young man awkwardly handling drinks. Yet, this amusing scene is fleeting, as Savita is suddenly awakened and informed to get ready for another round of men arriving to evaluate her as a prospective wife.
sets the tone for the story. In a dream sequence, Savita interviews a prospective groom in a lighthearted reversal of traditional gender roles. Alongside her female relatives, she watches as the nervous young man stumbles while serving drinks. However, this playful moment is short-lived, as Savita is abruptly woken up and told to prepare for yet another group of men coming to assess her suitability as a bride.
In reality, the dynamic is starkly different. Savita is dressed in a sari and seated on a small stool, her eyes lowered, as she faces a barrage of questions from the prospective groom’s family. They interrogate her about her name, education, hobbies, and even her willingness to work on a farm. Once the questioning ends, the men step outside to discuss her physical appearance. Comments about her skin tone and height reveal the shallow criteria by which she is judged. Despite her qualifications and aspirations, Savita is reduced to an object of scrutiny, her worth determined by arbitrary standards.
This scene is repeated several times throughout the film, highlighting the repetitive nature of the matchmaking process. Savita’s parents reveal that this is the fourth or fifth time she has been rejected. Each rejection deepens the family’s frustration and despair, as they face the societal expectation of marrying off their daughter. For Savita, the experience is both degrading and infuriating. Her protests—expressing her desire to complete her education and pursue a career before considering marriage—are dismissed as unrealistic in her conservative community.
In an interview, Nandini Chikte described how emotionally taxing it was to portray Savita’s journey. “Even though I was acting, I felt the anger and humiliation on behalf of Savita,” she said. “It was disheartening to see how little consideration was given to her dreams, while the prospective groom was never subjected to the same scrutiny.”
The film also addresses the pervasive issue of dowry, a practice that remains widespread in India despite being illegal for over six decades. Dowry often places a significant financial burden on the bride’s family, with parents going to extreme lengths to meet the demands of the groom’s family. In Sthal
Filmmaker Jayant Digambar Somalkar found his inspiration for Sthal
Director Jayant Digambar Somalkar drew inspiration for Sthal
has received praise for its honest depiction of arranged marriage practices. Nonetheless, Sthal
is not the initial Indian film to address this topic. Throughout the years, both Bollywood and regional films have brought forth various narratives about arranged marriages. The widely watched Netflix series Indian Matchmaking
is not the first Indian film to tackle this subject. Over the years, Bollywood and regional cinema have produced numerous stories about arranged marriages. The popular Netflix series Indian Matchmaking
, for example, delves into the matchmaking process, but it focuses primarily on wealthy, urban families where women have comparatively more agency.
aims to shed light on the challenges encountered by women such as Savita, Sthal
urges audiences to rethink entrenched customs. It scrutinizes the objectification of women under the guise of matrimony and the societal pressures that place marriage above educational and career aspirations.
Somalkar aspires for the film to initiate valuable discussions. “A single movie can’t transform society instantly, but it can ignite a conversation,” he remarked. “I want individuals to consider the effects of these traditions on women and their families. It’s time to shift from viewing marriage as the ultimate aim for a young woman.”
delivers a powerful narrative and genuine performances, Sthal
Through its poignant storytelling and authentic performances, Sthal
serves as a powerful critique of societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. It offers a voice to women like Savita, whose stories are often overlooked, and calls for a shift in attitudes toward marriage, education, and women’s agency in India.
While change may be slow, films like Sthal
play an important role in challenging the status quo and inspiring audiences to imagine a more equitable future.