Marathi Film 'Gondhal' Chosen as India's Official Oscar Entry

Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced. The film, directed by Santosh Davakhar, will represent the country in the International Feature Film race at the Oscars 2027.

The selection was made by an FFI committee of 14 members drawn from different regions and areas of expertise across the Indian film industry, with filmmaker P Sheshadri as chairman. The panel included filmmakers, actors, producers, cinematographers, editors and other professionals. Gondhal was picked from among 33 films submitted for consideration.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the team in a post on X, describing the development as a moment of pride for Marathi cinema. He noted that the film connects with the rich folk traditions and culture of Maharashtra and expressed hope that its story would reach new heights globally.

The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu in lead roles, and runs for approximately two hours. Set against the cultural backdrop of rural Maharashtra, it explores the collision between ritual tradition, personal ambition and human vulnerability. Gondhal was released theatrically on November 14, 2025.

The makers shared the news on the film's Instagram page, calling the selection a proud and historic moment for Indian cinema. They thanked the Government of India, the FFI, the jury members and the wider film fraternity for placing their trust in the film, and credited the achievement to its cast and crew.