Marathi film Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2027 Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India announced the selection on Friday, with the film set to compete in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Oscars.
The selection marks another major achievement for Gondhal, which has already received recognition at several film festivals. Santosh Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), while the film later received the FIPRESCI Award at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival.
What Is Gondhal About?
Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal revolves around the traditional folk ritual of the same name. Usually performed overnight during auspicious occasions, the ritual provides the cultural backdrop for a story involving relationships, jealousy, desire and violence.
The film follows Suman, played by Ishita Deshmukh, whose marriage to Anand, portrayed by Yogesh Sohoni, leads to a series of complicated events involving former suitors, family conflicts and a dangerous plan. The traditional Gondhal ceremony is an important part of the film, with its singing, dancing and drumbeats contributing to the atmosphere as the events unfold throughout the night.
The cast also features Kishor Kadam as Bhivaba and Nishad Bhoir as Sarjerao, along with Anuj Prabhu, Suresh Vishwakarma and other actors.
Ilaiyaraaja Composes Music for Gondhal
Santosh Davakhar has directed and written the film, while Amalendu Chaudhary is responsible for cinematography and Ashish Mhatre handled the editing. Veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja has composed the music for Gondhal. The film has been produced by Davakhar Films.
Gondhal was released theatrically in Maharashtra on November 14, 2025. Its subsequent festival screenings helped bring the film wider recognition. In addition to Davakhar’s Silver Peacock win at IFFI and the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, the film received Best Director and Best Cinematographer honours at the Pune International Film Festival. Davakhar also won Best Director at the Third Eye Asian International Film Festival.
At IFFI, the international competition jury recognised the film for its treatment of cultural tradition and its ability to maintain tension and surprise, with Davakhar receiving the Best Director award.
What Happens Next for Gondhal at the Oscars?
India’s selection of Gondhal as its official submission does not automatically mean the film has received an Oscar nomination. It will now enter the Academy’s selection process for Best International Feature Film, competing alongside films submitted by other countries.
The Academy is scheduled to announce the Oscars shortlists on December 15, 2026. The nominations are expected to be announced on January 21, 2027.
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 14, 2027. Until then, Gondhal will continue through the Academy’s selection process as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category.