Who is Santosh Davakhar?

Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar is now in the spotlight after his film 'Gondhal' was chosen as India's official submission for the 2027 Academy Awards. The film will represent India in the Best International Feature category at the 99th Oscars.

It was selected from 33 films submitted for consideration, giving Davakhar's work an international platform.

Davakhar's professional journey began away from the film industry. According to Economic Times, he worked as a professor before moving into other roles, including project consultancy and social activism. His interest in filmmaking eventually led him to pursue formal training, including a short screenplay-writing course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

His earlier work has largely reflected his interest in social and cultural subjects.

His short film 'Adnyat' dealt with class divisions and went on to receive recognition at international film festivals. He has also directed a government advertisement centred on the cashless economy.

How Cannes influenced Santosh Davakhar's filmmaking

Davakhar's exposure to world cinema played an important role in shaping his approach to filmmaking. His experience at the Cannes Film Festival, where he watched several films during his stay, encouraged him to think about making cinema that could connect with audiences beyond India.

That experience eventually contributed to the making of 'Gondhal', a thriller that draws from Maharashtra's traditional Gondhal ritual and folk-performance traditions.

The film is set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds during a night surrounding a traditional ritual involving a newly married couple.

Santosh Davakhar's reaction to Gondhal's Oscar selection

Davakhar has written the story and screenplay of 'Gondhal' in addition to directing the film. The filmmaker said the team believed in the project's Oscar prospects even before the selection was announced.

"We were confident while making and submitting the film that we will be India's official entry for the Oscars. I'm proud to represent India with my film," Davakhar told PTI. The Oscar recognition follows an award-winning festival run for the filmmaker.

Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025 for 'Gondhal'.

What happens next for Gondhal?

Being selected as India's official entry marks the beginning of the film's Oscar journey rather than its final nomination. 'Gondhal' will now go through the Academy's selection process for the Best International Feature category before the final nominations are determined. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to be held on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.