'Gondhal' Eyes Oscars: Marathi Thriller's Global Journey

The Marathi psychological thriller 'Gondhal' has been chosen as India's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film intricately weaves the traditional Gondhal ritual into a compelling murder mystery narrative.

Released initially in November 2025, 'Gondhal' has seen a resurgence in theatres following its significant Oscar nomination. Director Santosh Davakhar expressed confidence in the film's selection, even amidst ongoing discussions. He shared his strategic approach for the Oscar campaign, which includes holding back the OTT release for over a year.

Davakhar outlined plans for a robust international campaign, featuring multiple screenings in Los Angeles and other global locations to engage Academy voters. This strategic preparation underscores the team's vision to represent Indian cinema prominently on the world stage, emphasizing storytelling and cultural identity over immediate box office success.

With the Academy Awards ceremony anticipated in 2027, Davakhar voiced optimism about India's prospects. He highlighted the presence of two promising debut filmmakers representing Indian cinema this year, believing that Indian films possess the potential to achieve global recognition and stand out internationally.