Actress Sonali Bendre has revealed why she chose to become the presenter of the upcoming film 'Sohla', saying the story left a lasting impression on her long after she first watched it. The film, directed by Saaikat Bagbaan, is scheduled to release in theatres on 16 October 2026.

Why Sonali Said Yes

Bendre, best known for her role in 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', said she has historically been selective about lending her name to projects. She described 'Sohla' as one of the very few exceptions. “I have been asked over the years to lend my name to many things. I have said yes very rarely. Sohla is one of those very rare yeses. Because this is not a film I watched and forgot,” she said.

She elaborated further: “It is a film that stayed with me the way a book that quietly changes you stays with you. And I realized that instinct, the wanting to share it with more people, is what presenting a film really means. I am not presenting Sohla as an actor. I am presenting it as someone who believes in the film and in the story Saaikat has created.”

The Film and Its Story

At the heart of 'Sohla' is Pashya, a 13-year-old boy whose journey explores themes of hope, family, friendship, and the formative choices that shape a person’s life. Bendre unveiled the film’s first poster, which introduces Pashya to audiences, also marking her debut as a film presenter.

The film stars Pravin Dalimbkar, Devdatta Prashant Gone, Varsha Malwadkar, Vaishnavi Sanjay Ghodke, and Alessandra Whelan Merediz. It is produced by Goldie Behl under the banner of Rose Audio Visuals, along with Sachin Srivastav, Ratna Srivastava, and Kavita Bagban under the banner of Carryon Fiilms.

Director Saaikat Bagbaan on the Journey

Director Saaikat Bagbaan described 'Sohla' as a celebration of childhood and the quiet, defining moments of growing up. “Sohla is a celebration of childhood, friendship, family, and the little moments that become part of who we are,” he said. Bagbaan noted that seeing the film’s central character take his first step towards audiences through the poster was “incredibly special.”

“To have Rose Audio Visuals and Sonali Bendre present my first feature film gives this journey an incredible sense of encouragement. I cannot wait for audiences to experience Sohla in cinemas on 16 October,” he added, underlining that finding collaborators who believe in a story the way its maker does is every filmmaker’s hope.

Release and What to Expect

'Sohla' represents Bagbaan’s debut as a feature film director and Bendre’s first outing as a presenter. The film’s arrival in cinemas on 16 October 2026 will be closely watched, given the unusual combination of a debutant director, a celebrated actress stepping into a new role, and a story rooted in childhood and human connection — a genre that has found resonance with Indian audiences in recent years.