There’s great news for Indian cinema. The Film Federation of India (FFI) has declared director Santosh Davkhar’s Marathi thriller “Gondhaal” as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027). The announcement was made by the selection committee, headed by Jury Chairman P. Seshadri, for the 99th Academy Awards ceremony, which will be held on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Set in rural Maharashtra, this thriller is based on the rich folk traditions of rural Maharashtra and the “Gondhaal ritual” (traditional dance-worship). The film revolves around a newlywed woman named Suman, who is unhappy in her marriage. The main character, Suman, is trapped in an oppressive marriage. The story takes a new turn when she, along with her lover, plots a murder and escapes. It is a cultural thriller about faith, deception, and destiny.
The film is written and directed by Santosh Davkhar. Actress Ishita Deshmukh plays the lead role, alongside Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohni, and Nishad Bhoyar. The film’s background score and music were composed by renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja. Director Santosh Davkhar received the Silver Peacock Award for Best Director at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 for this film.
“Gondhaal” is the fourth Marathi film to be nominated for an Oscar. Previously, three Marathi films have represented India at the Oscars: Shwaas (2005), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), and Court (2015).