What is the story about?
Team Gondhal is on cloud nine as the Marathi film has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars 2027. The film, directed by Santosh Davakhar,
was released theatrically in 2025. Starring Ishita Deshmukh, Nishad Bhoir and Yogesh Sohoni in key roles, the movie opened to positive feedback from audiences. After Gondhal's Oscars 2027 announcement was made, Zoom exclusively to the film's actor Nishad. In conversation with us, he expressed happiness, calling it a dream come true moment for him. Nishad also revealed what this achievement means for Marathi cinema.
Excerpts from the chat:
Question: What was your first reaction to Gondhal being selected as India's official entry to the Oscars 2027?
Answer: Actually, mujhe toh abhi bhi bharosa nahi ho raha ki aisa kuch ho raha hai. Main abhi bahar tha, Ganpati dekh raha tha abhi Mumbai (ke) Parel mein. Aur just ek dukaan se bahar aaya aur mereko director ka phone aaya ki aisa-aisa hua hai and we have got selected for the Oscars. So, it was just a dream come true moment for me. Mere thoughts mein bhi nahi tha... mere career ke shuruvaat mein, abhi toh hum log itne dur jaa sakte hai. It's really an honour to be there."
Question: What does this achievement mean for Marathi cinema and how important it is for the industry?
Answer: Ye toh bohot important hai abhi achievement kyunki iske pehle do ya teen Marathi (films) gaye the - Harishchandrachi Factory, Court, Shwaas. Unke baad ye Gondhal hai. Ye alag hi experience hai. Ye Marathi (cinema) mein experiment bohot kam kiye jaate hai. Aap film dekhoge toh aapko pata chalega ki this film is unique and has altogether a different vibe and experience.
Aapko uss jagah pe hoke vo sab cheeze aapke aaju-baaju mein ho rahi hai, aisa vo feel dekhne mile... ye ek effort tha jo humare director ne liya tha. Aur itne huge prospect mein abhi tak Marathi (cinema) mein nahi hua tha aur unhone karke dikhaya. Aur logo ne vo bohot appreciate kiya. And now it has got the validation.
More About Gondhal
Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal is a Marathi thriller that follows a young bride, who uses her lover Sajerao's obsession in Gondhal ritual and turns the sacred tradition into a deadly chess match. Did you enjoy watching Gondhal? Tweet @TimesNow and share your thoughts on X. Stay tuned to this space for more updates!
