Marathi film Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in 2027.
The Film Federation of India (FFI) announced the selection on September 18 after its jury reviewed 33 films submitted for consideration. As a result, Gondhal will enter the race in the International Feature Film category.
The selection gives Marathi cinema another opportunity to reach the global stage. Gondhal becomes only the fourth Marathi film to be chosen as India’s official Oscar submission. This follows Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory and Court.
Gondhal Chosen From 33 Films
The FFI received submissions from films made in several Indian languages.
The selection committee, chaired by filmmaker P. Sheshadri, ultimately chose Gondhal after reviewing the entries.
The final selection included films from different genres and languages, including major Hindi productions.
The committee considered factors such as filmmaking, performances, music and songs. They also looked at cultural representation and the human story presented by each film.
Gondhal’s selection comes after its run through India’s festival circuit, where the film had already received recognition.
A Story Rooted in Maharashtra’s Folk Tradition
Gondhal is set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds over a single night. This story takes place against the backdrop of the traditional Gondhal ritual, a folk-performance tradition associated with religious and cultural practices in the state.
The story follows Suman, a young woman trapped in a troubled marriage.
Events surrounding the ritual bring together themes of tradition, desire, deception and personal struggle.
The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu.
Veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja has composed the music.The film’s regional setting is central to its identity.
Director Santosh Davakhar has said he wanted to present India’s cultural heritage through cinema. He also aimed to take the film to an international audience.
Director Santosh Davakhar Prepares for Oscar Campaign
Davakhar said the selection brought both pride and a sense of responsibility.
Speaking to The Indian Express, he said the team had already begun preparing its international campaign. They had arranged media and public-relations support in Los Angeles.
The filmmaker has previously received recognition at major Indian film festivals.
He won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025 for Gondhal.
The film also received awards at the 24th Pune International Film Festival in 2026, according to The Indian Express.
Gondhal’s Oscar Journey Now Begins
Being selected as India’s official entry does not guarantee an Oscar nomination.
Gondhal must first go through the Academy’s selection process before the final nominations are announced.
The film will compete for a place on the International Feature Film shortlist and, subsequently, the final nominations.
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
India has previously had several films reach the International Feature Film nomination stage, including Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan.
However, no Indian film has won the Academy Award in this category.
Fourth Marathi Film to Represent India
Gondhal’s selection adds to the history of Marathi cinema at the Oscars.
Shwaas was selected in 2005, Harishchandrachi Factory followed in 2009 and Court became India’s entry in 2015.
Gondhal is now the fourth Marathi-language film to receive the honour.
The announcement also places a regional production at the centre of India’s Oscar campaign. This comes at a time when films from different Indian-language industries continue to receive international attention.
For Davakhar and his team, the next stage will involve promoting Gondhal internationally. They will present the film to Academy voters before the final nomination process.
The Oscar campaign will now determine whether Gondhal can progress beyond India’s official selection. It remains to be seen if the film will secure a place among the films nominated for the International Feature Film award.
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