‘Gondhal’ Secures Oscar 2027 Entry: All About Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi Thriller
The Film Federation of India has officially selected Santosh Davakhar’s critically acclaimed Marathi thriller Gondhal as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027).
The Film Federation of India (FFI) has officially selected the Marathi-language thriller Gondhal as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027). Written and directed by debutant filmmaker Santosh Davakhar, the critically acclaimed film emerged victorious from a shortlist of 33 national contenders. Oscars 2027: Marathi Film ‘Gondhal’ Is India’s Official Entry for Academy Awards.
‘Gondhal’ to Represent India at Oscars 2027
The decision was announced by a jury headed by veteran filmmaker P. Seshadri, choosing Gondhal to represent the country on Hollywood's biggest stage. The selection marks a major milestone for regional storytelling, making Gondhal only the fourth Marathi film ever selected as India's official entry for the Oscars, following Shwaas (2004), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), and Court (2015).
The project has enjoyed a decorated festival run prior to its Academy Award selection. Director Santosh Davakhar previously earned the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), alongside awards at the Bengaluru and Pune International Film Festivals.
‘Gondhal’ Cast
The film features a mix of veteran talent and breakthrough performers: Ishita Deshmukh stars as Suman, a newlywed bride who serves as the emotional and narrative core of the story.
Yogesh Sohoni plays Anand, her simple and unsuspecting husband. Nishad Bhoir delivers a key performance as Sarjerao, a wealthy, obsessive suitor. Kishor Kadam appears in a pivotal supporting role as Bhivaba, the ritual folk performer. Suresh Vishwakarma, Anuj Prabhu, and Maadhavi Juvekar round out the supporting ensemble.
Watch the Trailer of ‘Gondhal’:
‘Gondhal’ Plot and Production Details
Set against the rural backdrop of Maharashtra, Gondhal unfolds over a single, intense night centred around a traditional, night-long folk ritual of the same name. Held to invoke divine blessings for a newly married couple, the sacred ceremony quickly transforms into a high-stakes psychological thriller.
The narrative follows Suman, a woman trapped in an arranged marriage, who leverages her former lover's obsession to plot a deadly turn of events under the guise of the ongoing festivities. Behind the scenes, the film features score work by legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja and immersive long-take cinematography managed by Amalendu Chaudhary. Oscars 2027: Conan O’Brien Returns As Host for Third Time for 99th Academy Awards on March 14 (See Post).
Where to Watch ‘Gondhal’
Gondhal completed its successful theatrical run across India following its November 2025 release. The producers are currently finalising streaming rights ahead of the global awards season campaign. Streaming details and digital release platforms are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 06:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
