Marathi cinema is heading to the global stage as Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. Directed and written by Santosh Davakhar, the Marathi psychological thriller will represent India in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2027.
The Film Federation of India announced the selection on September 18 after its jury considered 33 films submitted from across the country. The list included films in several Indian languages, with Gondhal eventually chosen as India’s submission for the prestigious international film awards.
Gondhal Brings Maharashtra’s Folk Culture To The Oscars
Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal unfolds over a single night against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual. The folk performance combines music, dance and mythology and plays an important role in the film’s narrative.
The story follows Suman, a young woman caught in a troubled marriage. As the traditional ritual takes place, relationships, desire, deception and hidden tensions begin to surface.
The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu. Through its setting and characters, Gondhal connects a contemporary psychological thriller with Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
The film has also received recognition on the festival circuit. Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa in 2025. Gondhal was later released in Indian theatres in November 2025.
Santosh Davakhar’s Journey To The International Stage
For Davakhar, the Oscar selection marks a major step in his filmmaking career. Gondhal is his feature directorial debut and emerged from his interest in Indian folk traditions and international cinema.
The filmmaker has said that he wanted to explore Indian culture through a story that could connect with audiences beyond India. The film’s focus on the Gondhal ritual gives the story a strong regional identity while exploring themes that have wider relevance.
The selection also marks an important moment for Marathi cinema. Gondhal becomes the fourth Marathi film to be selected as India’s official Oscar submission, following Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory and Court.
What Happens Next For Gondhal At The Oscars?
Being selected as India’s official entry does not automatically mean Gondhal has received an Oscar nomination. The film will now enter the Academy’s selection process for the Best International Feature Film category.
The Academy will first determine its shortlist before announcing the final nominees. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
For Indian cinema, Gondhal’s selection puts a Marathi-language story rooted in Maharashtra’s folk traditions at the centre of the international awards conversation.
The film’s journey will now move beyond India as it seeks a place among the final Oscar nominees.
Also Read : https://theglobalcurrent.com/subhash-ghai-bal-thackeray-choli-ke-peeche-khal-nayak/
