Marathi Film Gondhal Chosen to Represent India at the 99th Academy Awards!

The Marathi film Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been officially selected to represent India at the 99th Academy Awards. This psychological thriller, set in rural Maharashtra, explores themes of jealousy and desire against the backdrop of a traditional folk performance. With critical acclaim from various film festivals, Gondhal is poised to carry the hopes of Indian cinema as it competes for the prestigious Best International Feature Film award. The film's unique cultural narrative and compelling storyline have made it a standout choice among 33 contenders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 18, 2026, 20:21 IST

India's Official Entry for the Oscars

The Film Federation of India has made an exciting announcement: the Marathi film Gondhal, helmed by director Santosh Davakhar, will be India's representative at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. This 117-minute feature was chosen from a competitive lineup of 33 films to vie for the Best International Feature Film award. Notably, this marks the fourth occasion that a Marathi film has been selected as India's official entry, following the previous nominations of Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory, and Court.

Gondhal has already received considerable acclaim on the festival circuit, including a Silver Peacock award for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India, along with accolades at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival. The film, which Davakhar both wrote and directed, boasts a talented cast featuring Ishita Deshmukh, Kishore Kadam, Yogesh Sohni, and Nishad Bhoir, who collectively bring the gripping story to life.

A Cultural and Psychological Thriller

A Psychological Thriller Rooted in Tradition

Set in the rural landscapes of Maharashtra, Gondhal is a psychological thriller that unfolds over a single night. The story revolves around the traditional Gondhal ritual, a religious folk performance that serves as the backdrop for a narrative filled with jealousy, desire, and violence. The protagonist, Suman, played by Ishita Deshmukh, seems to lead a privileged life with her affluent husband, Anand, portrayed by Yogesh Sohni. However, her life takes a sinister turn when she finds herself drawn to a performer named Sahiba.

A Journey Through Betrayal and Survival

Navigating a Dangerous Path of Betrayal

In her quest for freedom from her marriage, Suman concocts a perilous plan involving Anand’s obsessive cousin, Sarjerao, played by Nishad Bhoir. What starts as a desperate bid for personal liberation quickly escalates into a series of events marked by murder, compelling the protagonist to navigate a dangerous web of deceit and survival. P. Seshadri, chairperson of the selection committee, highlighted the film’s unique cultural essence and captivating storyline as pivotal reasons for its selection. As the film industry sets its sights on the 99th Academy Awards, Gondhal now embodies the aspirations of Indian cinema in its pursuit of the esteemed international feature film accolade.