Marathi folk-thriller Gondhal, selected as India’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards, is set to reach cinemas nationwide on November 13, 2026. Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film will be released in six languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.
The pan-India release is expected to introduce the film’s story, rooted in Maharashtra’s folk traditions, to audiences beyond its original Marathi-speaking market. Its selection as India’s Oscar entry has also brought national attention to the project ahead of its theatrical debut.
Gondhal to Release in Six Languages on November 13
Gondhal will open in theatres across India on November 13, with versions planned in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. The multilingual release gives the Marathi film a wider theatrical reach while retaining its connection to the cultural traditions at the heart of its story.
Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film is described as a folk-thriller that blends traditional Maharashtrian rituals with themes of love, betrayal and obsession. Its premise draws on regional cultural elements to shape a suspense-driven narrative for cinema audiences.
Gondhal Selected as India’s Official Oscar Entry
The Film Federation of India announced Gondhal as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards on September 18, 2026, according to the information provided.
The selection marks an important milestone for the film and its team. However, being chosen as India’s submission is not the same as receiving an Oscar nomination. The film must still progress through the Academy’s selection process to secure a place among the nominees.
The announcement has nevertheless placed Gondhal in the spotlight ahead of its nationwide release, drawing attention to a story shaped by Maharashtra’s folk heritage.
Director Santosh Davakhar on the Film’s National Release
Speaking about the film’s journey and its selection as India’s Oscar entry, Santosh Davakhar said the team had focused on remaining faithful to the cultural traditions and rhythms that inspired the story.
“When we set out to make Gondhal, our only goal was to stay fiercely true to the raw culture, haunting rhythms, and untold layers of our soil. To see this deeply rooted folk-thriller resonate so profoundly that it becomes India’s official Oscar entry is an overwhelming honor. Now, bringing it to audiences across the country on November 13 in a Pan-India release feels like bringing the story back full circle,” he said.
The director’s comments underline the importance of cultural authenticity to the project. The six-language release will allow viewers in different regions to experience the film while bringing a story rooted in Maharashtra’s traditions to a broader national audience.
Why Gondhal’s Release Matters
Regional films have increasingly sought audiences beyond their home-language markets through multilingual releases and wider theatrical distribution. For Gondhal, the combination of a pan-India release and its selection as India’s Oscar submission offers two distinct reasons for audience interest.
The film’s folk-thriller format also sets it apart from conventional mainstream action and romance releases. By drawing on Maharashtrian rituals and exploring darker themes, Gondhal brings a culturally specific story to a nationwide theatrical platform.
As the November 13 release approaches, further details about screenings, distribution and promotional activities may clarify the film’s reach across the six language markets.
For now, Gondhal is scheduled to arrive in cinemas nationwide on November 13, 2026. Its Oscar-entry status has already brought the film wider attention, but its Academy Awards journey remains separate from its theatrical release.
FAQs
1. What is the release date of Gondhal?
Gondhal is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on November 13, 2026.
2. In how many languages will Gondhal release?
The film is planned for release in six languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.
3. Who directed Gondhal?
Santosh Davakhar wrote and directed the Marathi folk-thriller.
4. Is Gondhal India’s official entry for the 2027 Oscars?
Yes. As stated in the supplied information, the Film Federation of India selected Gondhal as India’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This does not automatically mean it has been nominated.
5. What is Gondhal about?
Gondhal is described as a folk-thriller combining Maharashtrian rituals with themes of love, betrayal and obsession.
