Gondhal: The Marathi Film. Sometimes the biggest wins come from the most unexpected corners of Indian cinema. Gondhal, a small Marathi psychological thriller, has just been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2027 — beating out 32 other films, including the high-profile Dhurandhar.
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A Debut Filmmaker’s Big Moment
Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, a social activist making his directorial debut, Gondhal is set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds over a single night during a traditional ritual centred on a newlywed couple. The film had already turned heads at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa, where Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director.
Why the Selection Committee Chose It
Gondhal: The Marathi Film That Just Beat Dhurandhar to Become India’s Oscars 2027 Entry. Selection committee chairperson P. Seshadri explained the decision came down to authenticity: the film needed to represent Indian culture and ethos, and Gondhal stood out for its music, performances, and human storytelling. Notably, veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja scored the film’s music — a rare crossover between Tamil cinema’s legendary composer and Marathi filmmaking.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Santosh Davakhar |
| Language | Marathi |
| Lead Cast | Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni |
| Music | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Theatrical Release | November 14, 2025 |
| Oscars 2027 Ceremony | March 14, 2027, Dolby Theatre |
A Proud Chapter for Marathi Cinema
Gondhal becomes only the fourth Marathi film ever selected as India’s Oscars entry, following Shwaas (2005), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), and Court (2015). It also succeeds Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, last year’s entry, which didn’t advance to the final nominations.
What’s Next
No Indian film has yet won the Best International Feature category. Whether Gondhal changes that history remains to be seen, but its selection alone marks a significant moment for regional Indian cinema on the global stage.
For more updates on India’s award-season contenders, check out our entertainment desk on TechnoSports.
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