Marathi thriller Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India announced on Friday. Set in rural Maharashtra, the psychological thriller centres on the traditional Gondhal ritual and explores tensions between cultural traditions, personal desires and human vulnerability. The film follows Suman, a woman in an unhappy marriage who becomes involved in a dangerous plan involving her husband and a Gondhali performer. The cast includes Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir, along with Suresh Vishwakarma, Anuj Prabhu and Vitthal Kale. Written and directed by Davakhar, the film combines folklore, relationships and contemporary social realities. Gondhal was recognised at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025, where Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director. The film was released theatrically in Maharashtra on November 14, 2025. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to be held on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien as host. Gondhal becomes the fourth Marathi film to represent India in the Oscars race, following Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), Shwaas (2005) and Court (2015). India is yet to win the Best International Feature Film award, although Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan have previously secured nominations in the category.
