Gondhal Oscars 2027: Marathi cinema has achieved another major milestone as Santosh Davakhar’s Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India announced the selection on Friday, with the film emerging from a list of 33 eligible titles.
Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal unfolds over the course of a single night and revolves around a traditional ritual associated with a newlywed couple. The film combines elements of family tension, relationships, mystery and danger against the backdrop of the culturally significant Gondhal ceremony.
The selection makes Gondhal the fourth Marathi-language film to represent India at the Oscars.
Gondhal Selected As India’s Official Entry For Oscars 2027
The Film Federation of India selected Gondhal from a list of 33 films that were considered for India’s official submission.
The announcement was made by P Seshadri, chairperson of the selection committee.
Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film has already received recognition on the international festival circuit, making its Oscar selection another significant achievement for the Marathi film.
The selection now puts Gondhal in the race for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.
What Is Gondhal About?
Gondhal is set in the rural landscape of Maharashtra and takes place largely over a single night.
The story centres on Suman, played by Ishita Deshmukh, whose marriage to Anand sets a series of complicated events into motion.
What begins around a traditional wedding ritual gradually develops into a tense story involving former suitors, family conflicts and a dangerous plan.
As the night progresses, tensions surrounding the newlywed couple intensify, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease.
The traditional Gondhal ritual is not simply used as a backdrop. The film incorporates its music, singing and dance into the storytelling, giving the cultural practice an important role in the narrative.
Gondhal Becomes Fourth Marathi Film To Be Selected For Oscars
With Gondhal, Marathi cinema has achieved another notable milestone on the international stage.
The earlier Marathi films selected as India’s official Oscar entries were:
- Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
- Shwaas (2005)
- Court (2015)
The selection of Gondhal therefore marks the fourth time a Marathi film has been chosen to represent India at the Academy Awards.
Gondhal Director Santosh Davakhar’s Festival Recognition
Before its Oscar selection, Gondhal had already earned recognition at film festivals.
Director Santosh Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India.
The film subsequently added another international festival honour to its record by winning the FIPRESCI Award at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival.
These accolades have helped establish Gondhal as a notable title within the festival circuit before its selection as India’s Oscar entry.
Gondhal Cast And Crew
The film has been written and directed by Santosh Davakhar and backed by Davakhar Films.
The key cast includes:
- Ishita Deshmukh
- Kishor Kadam
- Yogesh Sohoni
- Nishad Bhoir
- Anuj Prabhu
- Suresh Vishwakarma
Ishita Deshmukh plays Suman, the newlywed at the centre of the film’s story.
India’s Oscar Journey: Three Films Have Received Nominations
Although India has regularly submitted films for consideration at the Academy Awards, only a small number have progressed to the final nomination stage in the International Feature Film category.
Three Indian films have received nominations in the category: Mother India, directed by Mehboob Khan; Salaam Bombay, directed by Mira Nair; and Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
Deepa Mehta’s Water, starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, was also nominated, but it was submitted by Canada, rather than India.
No film officially submitted by India has won the Best International Feature Film award so far.
What Happened To India’s Previous Oscar Entry?
Last year, India selected Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound as its official Oscar submission.
The pandemic drama subsequently could not make it to the final nominations.
With Gondhal now becoming India’s official entry for the 2027 Oscars, attention will turn towards its journey through the Academy’s selection process.
Being chosen as the official Indian entry does not automatically guarantee a nomination. The film will first need to progress through the Academy’s subsequent stages.
When Will The 2027 Oscars Take Place?
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027.
For Gondhal, the Oscar selection marks another major chapter in a journey that has already included awards at prominent film festivals.
The film’s rural setting, traditional cultural backdrop and story of relationships, family tensions and danger have now brought it into the international spotlight.
Gondhal Oscars 2027: Key Details
Film: Gondhal
Language: Marathi
Director: Santosh Davakhar
India’s Oscar Entry: Oscars 2027
Selection Committee: Film Federation of India
Films Considered: 33
Production: Davakhar Films
Lead Cast: Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, Anuj Prabhu and Suresh Vishwakarma
Awards: Silver Peacock for Best Director; FIPRESCI Award
99th Academy Awards: March 14, 2027
The selection of Gondhal is a significant moment for Marathi cinema and adds another Indian title to the country’s continuing journey at the Academy Awards. The film will now begin its Oscar campaign with its festival recognition and critical attention already forming part of its story.
FAQs
Q. Which film is India’s official entry for Oscars 2027?
A. Marathi film Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2027.
Q. Which film is India’s official entry for Oscars 2027?
A. Marathi film Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2027.
Q. Who directed Gondhal?
A. Gondhal has been written and directed by Santosh Davakhar.
Q. What is Gondhal about?
A. The film is set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds over a night centred around a traditional ritual involving a newlywed couple. The story explores family tensions, former relationships and a dangerous plan.
Q. How many Marathi films have been selected as India’s Oscar entries?
A. Gondhal is the fourth Marathi film selected as India’s official Oscar entry, after Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory and Court.
