The Film Federation of India (FFI) has officially announced the selection of Santosh Davakhar’s riveting Marathi psychological thriller, Gondhal, as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027).
Chosen unanimously by a distinguished selection jury, Gondhal emerged at the top of a highly competitive pool of 33 national contenders. The film triumphed over several of the year’s most prominent commercial and critical releases, including Dhurandhar, Hanuman Ansh, Ikkis, and Border 2.
Gondhal marks a historic milestone for Marathi cinema, becoming only the fourth film in the language’s history to represent India on the global stage, following the legacy of Shwaas (2004), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), and Court (2015).
Set entirely over the course of a single, tension-filled night in rural Maharashtra, the film bridges intense rural realism with transcendent traditional performance art. The narrative uses the backdrop of the ritualistic, midnight Gondhal folk performance to frame a dangerous psychological chess match. It follows Suman (played by Ishita Deshmukh), a young bride who leverages an obsession with the sacred ritual into a gripping tale of deception and survival.
“Gondhal is a masterclass in roots-driven storytelling,” said the Film Federation of India in an official statement. “Santosh Davakhar has crafted an authentic, deeply cultural narrative that possesses the undeniable emotional power to transcend geographical boundaries and resonate deeply with global audiences.”
The critically acclaimed film features an extraordinary ensemble cast including Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, and Yogesh Sohoni. Adding to its cinematic depth is a haunting, evocative score composed by the legendary musical maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The selection builds upon the film’s earlier success at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where Davakhar won the prestigious Silver Peacock for Best Director following five years of intensive research and scriptwriting.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the preliminary 15-film shortlist for the category on December 15, 2026. The final five official nominations will be revealed on January 21, 2027, leading up to the 99th Academy Awards ceremony live at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 14, 2027.
News Edit KV Raman
