Marathi Film Gondhal Beats Dhurandhar and Hanuman Ansh to Become India’s Official Oscar Entry

The Marathi film Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. The announcement was made in Mumbai on Friday, September 18, 2026, by the Film Federation of India (FFI). A 14-member jury, headed by acclaimed filmmaker P Sheshadri, unanimously chose the psychological thriller over more than 30 other contenders, including Dhurandhar 2, Hanuman Ansh, Border 2, and Ikkis.

Set against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual—a night-long folk performance of music, dance, and mythology—the story follows a young bride trapped in a troubled marriage. She cleverly uses her lover’s obsession with the sacred ritual to play a dangerous game of deception, power, and desire. The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, and Anuj Prabhu.

The selection committee praised the movie for its strong cultural roots, extraordinary cinematography, and rich musical score. Jury member Firdausul Hasan noted that Gondhal stood out in every aspect, earning unanimous support from the panel. Sources revealed that Ikkis and Angh rounded out the top three films considered during the final voting round.

Gondhal marks the feature directorial debut for Santosh Davakhar. The film originally premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where it earned the Silver Peacock award for Special Jury recognition. While its theatrical release in November 2025 saw modest box office numbers, the critical acclaim and festival success established it as an artistic triumph.

As India’s official entry, Gondhal will now compete in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars. The Academy will review submissions globally before releasing a 15-film shortlist, followed by the final five nominations. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027.