Gondhal Is India's Official Oscars 2027 Entry: The Film Federation of India (FFI) has officially selected the Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal as India's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027). Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film stood out among 33 submissions nationwide to earn the coveted spot.
All About Gondhal Movie
Official Oscar Entry: 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027)
Director & Writer: Santosh Davakhar
Music Director: Ilaiyaraaja
Key Cast: Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir
Key Accolade: Silver Peacock for Best Director at IFFI
Why Gondhal Got Selected For Oscars 2027?
The selection jury, headed by chairperson P Sheshadri, evaluated a diverse pool of entries—including 14 Hindi, 4 Marathi, 4 Telugu, 4 Gujarati, and 3 Tamil films. Gondhal weaponises the tension of rural traditions rather than merely presenting them as cultural backdrop.
Having already won the Silver Peacock Award for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, Gondhal arrives with significant international festival momentum.
Gondhal Plot
Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal unfolds over a single high-stakes night during a traditional midnight folk ritual centred around a newlywed couple.
The plot follows Suman (Ishita Deshmukh), a young bride who uses the sacred ritual to execute a calculated plan against an obsessive admirer, turning a holy ceremony into a suspenseful game of psychological strategy. Blending folklore symbolism with dark human vulnerability, the film explores how ancient customs can be manipulated under emotional pressure.
Gondhal Box Office Collection
Despite a modest commercial run, Santosh Davakhar’s directorial debut Gondhal has emerged as a major critical success, representing India on the global cinematic stage at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027).
| Category | Performance / Details |
| Theatrical Release | 14 November 2025 |
| Initial Box Office | ~₹30–35 lakhs in the first four days (Limited theatrical run) |
| Commercial Status | Art-house / Niche Release (Modest box office returns) |
| Oscar Selection | Chosen as India's Official Entry for Best International Feature (Oscars 2027) |
| Major Awards | Silver Peacock for Best Director (IFFI 2025), Best Screenplay & Best Background Score (Filmfare Awards Marathi 2026) |
Gondhal followed a path typical of regional art-house cinema. Opening on November 14, 2025, the film saw a quiet theatrical run with limited audience pull in mainstream single screens and multiplexes, collecting approximately ₹30 to 35 lakhs during its first four days.
However, positive word-of-mouth and strong festival traction helped sustain its reputation long after its initial theatrical run, mirroring previous Marathi Oscar entries like Court (2015) and Harishchandrachi Factory (2009).
Major Awards & Recognition Given To Gondhal
Despite its limited commercial earnings, Gondhal dominated the regional and international award circuits:
56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025): Director Santosh Davakhar won the prestigious Silver Peacock Award for Best Director.
Film Federation of India (FFI): Selected over 32 other submissions across various Indian languages to represent India at the 99th Academy Awards.
Filmfare Awards Marathi 2026: Secured key honors, including Best Screenplay, Best Background Score (composed by Ilaiyaraaja), and technical debut awards.
Released in late 2025 with an evocative musical score composed by Ilaiyaraaja, Gondhal marks the fourth Marathi film chosen as India's official Oscar candidate following Shwaas (2004), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), and Court (2015). Critics have praised its raw atmospheric tension and immersive visual direction by cinematographer Amalendu Chaudhary.
FAQs
Q1: What is the plot of the Marathi movie Gondhal?
A: Gondhal is a psychological thriller set during a traditional midnight folk ritual in rural Maharashtra, where a newlywed bride navigates betrayal, obsession, and buried secrets over one intense night.
Q2: When will the 99th Academy Awards take place?
A: The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.