Devendra Fadnavis celebrates Gondhal as India’s official for Oscars

Marathi film ‘Gondhal’, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2027.

The Film Federation of India (FFI) chose the film from a field of 33 submissions. Following the announcement, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the team and described the selection as a “moment of pride for Marathi Cinema.”

Devendra Fadnavis calls ‘Gondhal’ a proud moment for Marathi cinema

Fadnavis took to X to congratulate the team behind ‘Gondhal’ and highlight the film’s connection with Maharashtra’s folk traditions and culture.“Director Santosh Davakhar's Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars 2027.

The selection committee of the Film Federation of India chose Gondhal from among 33 films, and this film, which connects with the rich folk traditions and culture of Maharashtra, will now represent India on the international stage,” he wrote.He also extended his wishes to the cast and crew, adding, “May this story rooted in the soil of Maharashtra reach new heights on the global level—our warmest wishes!”The selection makes ‘Gondhal’ the fourth Marathi film to be chosen as India’s official Oscar submission, following ‘Shwaas’, ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ and ‘Court’.

‘Gondhal’ selected from 33 films for Oscars 2027

The Film Federation of India announced the selection on September 18. According to reports, 33 films across multiple Indian languages were submitted for consideration, with the Marathi film eventually being chosen to represent India in the International Feature Film category.‘Gondhal’ had already received international recognition at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025, where Santosh Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director.The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.

Netizens react to ‘Gondhal’ Oscars selection

The announcement prompted congratulatory reactions on social media, with viewers celebrating the film’s selection and its representation of Marathi cinema on an international platform.One social media user wrote, “This is a beautiful movie...full marks for direction and how the camera moves... This is a well-narrated story about one night, perfectly capturing traditional rituals.

Not even for a second will one get bored of this movie.”Another user celebrated the announcement, writing, “Gondhal has been selected for the Oscars! A remarkable achievement and a moment of immense pride for the entire Marathi film industry. Wishing the team continued success on the global stage!”

What is ‘Gondhal’ about?

Set in rural Maharashtra, ‘Gondhal’ unfolds over the course of a night against the backdrop of the traditional Gondhal ritual and its folk-performance heritage.

The story follows Suman, a young woman trapped in an oppressive marriage, as she seeks psychological escape amid the ritual and the events surrounding it.The film explores themes of tradition, personal struggle, desire and deception while placing Maharashtra’s centuries-old folk culture at the centre of its narrative.‘Gondhal’ stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu. With its selection as India’s official submission, the Santosh Davakhar directorial now moves into the next stage of the Oscars 2027 race.