Marathi film Gondhal has become India's official entry into the Oscars 2027. The Film Federation of India announced that the film has been submitted to compete at the 99th Academy Awards. Read more

THE TIMES OF INDIA (September 19, 2026)

Mumbai: Marathi film ‘Gondhal’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2027, the Film Federation of India announced on Friday.

Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film is set in rural Maharashtra and plays out over a night of a traditional ritual centred around a newly-wed couple. The film was chosen as India’s submission for the Best International Feature category for the 99th Academy Awards from a list of 33 films, said P Sheshadri, chairperson of the selection committee.

“This year we’ve had four Marathi films, 14 Hindi films and other films...it’s a happy moment for Indian cinema, for Marathi cinema,” Sheshadri said at a news conference.

‘Gondhal’ had its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in 2025 in the Indian Panorama segment. Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the festival.

Set against the midnight carnival of the ritualistic Gondhal dance in rural Maharashtra, the movie follows Suman, a woman trapped in an oppressive marriage, who plots a murder and an escape with her forbidden lover. Actor Ishita Deshmukh plays the lead role in the movie.

‘Gondhal’ is the fourth Marathi film to be submitted for the Oscars. The earlier titles were “Shwaas” (2005), “Harishchandrachi Factory” (2009) and “Court” (2015).
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Mihir Bhanage (PUNE TIMES; September 19, 2026)

Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi thriller Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry to the 99th Academy Awards. The film explores the collision between ritual, personal ambition, and vulnerability, and its music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Speaking about the selection, Santosh says, “We are elated and confident that the film will get the appreciation it deserves. The international presentation tour for Gondhal will begin soon. We have a roadmap ready. Our team will ensure a proud and responsible representation of Indian cinema.”

This is the first Marathi film in 11 years to be selected for the Oscars, after Chaitanya Tamhane’s Court.