Marathi musical ‘Gondhal’ is India’s official entry to Oscars 2027

First-time feature director Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi-language Gondhal will represent India at the Oscars in 2027. The announcement was made on Friday in Mumbai by the Film Federation of India, the national council of producers that picks the Indian title for the Best International Feature category every year.

Davakhar’s film uses the Gondhal folk performance tradition to explore a woman’s efforts to escape a stifling relationship. The official synopsis: “A suffocating young bride, Suman, uses her lover Sarjerao’s obsession with the Gondhal ritual and turns the sacred tradition into a deadly chess match.”

Starring Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohani, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu, the film has music by the renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja. Gondhal was released in cinemas in November 2025. It isn’t out on a streaming platform yet. The film is scheduled to be re-released in India and released around the world.

Gondhal was among 33 submissions across languages, including both the Dhurandhar films, Hanuman Ansh, Teeghi, Balan The Boy, Dorothy, Angh, Ikkis, Peddi, Bison Kalaamadan, Main Vaapas Aaunga, Haq, Governor, Bhamardo and Sing Geetham.

The jury, headed by Kannada filmmaker P Sheshadri, said the decision to pick Gondhal was unanimous.

“This is the one film we were sure would resonate with critics and global audiences,” Sheshadri said at a press meet. Gondhal is a story of “intricate human relationships” that is set over one night of music and dance”. He added, “The...

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