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The Film Federation of India announced on Friday, September 18, that the Marathi film Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, will be India's official submission for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027. The announcement came at a press conference in Mumbai, where the film was selected over more than 30 other contenders, including Dhurandhar, Hanuman Ansh, Main Vaapas Aaunga and Border 2.
Gondhal takes its name from the all-night Maharashtrian ritual — a performance of music, drumming and dance tied to religious folklore — that forms the backdrop of the film's plot. At the story's centre is Suman (played by Ishita Deshmukh), whose marriage to Anand unravels over the course of the ceremony as old entanglements, jealousy and a dangerous scheme come to the surface. The cast also includes Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir, with music composed by veteran Ilaiyaraaja and cinematography by Amalendu Chaudhary.
Gondhal released in Maharashtra theatres in November 2025 to a modest box-office run. It won the Silver Peacock at the International Film Festival of India, the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, and additional honours at the Pune International Film Festival and the Third Eye Asian International Film Festival.
The 14-member jury that chose Gondhal was headed by filmmaker P Sheshadri and included actor Tannishtha Chatterjee, director Vasanth and producer Firdausul Hasan, among others. Sources confirm Ikkis and Angh rounded out the jury's top three choices.
Being named India's entry is only the first hurdle. The Academy will now put Gondhal through its Best International Feature Film voting process, which narrows submissions from every country down to a 15-film shortlist before arriving at five final nominees. The shortlist is expected on December 15, with nominations following on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 14, 2027.
Gondhal follows Homebound, India's entry at the 2026 Awards, and continues a run of Marathi cinema representing the country — including Chaitanya Tamhane's Court in 2015. India has submitted films to the Oscars since 1957's Mother India, and has so far never won in the category. Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Lagaan (2001) both earned nominations, while more recently, Chhello Show (2021) and Homebound reached the Oscars shortlist.
Also Read: The ‘Doomsday’ hype engine: Why Marvel needs audiences back in multiplexes before December
Gondhal takes its name from the all-night Maharashtrian ritual — a performance of music, drumming and dance tied to religious folklore — that forms the backdrop of the film's plot. At the story's centre is Suman (played by Ishita Deshmukh), whose marriage to Anand unravels over the course of the ceremony as old entanglements, jealousy and a dangerous scheme come to the surface. The cast also includes Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir, with music composed by veteran Ilaiyaraaja and cinematography by Amalendu Chaudhary.
Gondhal released in Maharashtra theatres in November 2025 to a modest box-office run. It won the Silver Peacock at the International Film Festival of India, the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, and additional honours at the Pune International Film Festival and the Third Eye Asian International Film Festival.
The 14-member jury that chose Gondhal was headed by filmmaker P Sheshadri and included actor Tannishtha Chatterjee, director Vasanth and producer Firdausul Hasan, among others. Sources confirm Ikkis and Angh rounded out the jury's top three choices.
Being named India's entry is only the first hurdle. The Academy will now put Gondhal through its Best International Feature Film voting process, which narrows submissions from every country down to a 15-film shortlist before arriving at five final nominees. The shortlist is expected on December 15, with nominations following on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 14, 2027.
Gondhal follows Homebound, India's entry at the 2026 Awards, and continues a run of Marathi cinema representing the country — including Chaitanya Tamhane's Court in 2015. India has submitted films to the Oscars since 1957's Mother India, and has so far never won in the category. Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Lagaan (2001) both earned nominations, while more recently, Chhello Show (2021) and Homebound reached the Oscars shortlist.
Also Read: The ‘Doomsday’ hype engine: Why Marvel needs audiences back in multiplexes before December
