Marathi Film Gondhal Selected As India's Official Oscar Entry
· Entertainment · India Today, Indian Express, Times of India
The Marathi film Gondhal has been chosen as India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, defeating over 30 competing films. Directed by Santosh Davakhar in his feature debut, the psychological thriller follows a trapped young bride who turns her lover's obsession with a sacred folk ritual into a game of deception and power. The Film Federation of India jury announced the selection in Mumbai on Friday, September 18, 2026. The movie stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, and Anuj Prabhu, and previously won the Silver Peacock Special Jury recognition at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. Despite its festival acclaim, the film had a subdued theatrical run after releasing in November 2025. The Academy will now review the submission ahead of voting for the international feature shortlist and final nominees for the ceremony on March 14, 2027.
Why it matters
Securing India's official Oscar submission puts international spotlight on regional Marathi cinema and its distinct storytelling traditions.
Read the original report — India Today
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