Oscars Entry ‘Gondhal’ to Hold Exclusive Previews from October 9 Before Six-Language Release

Santosh Davakhar’s acclaimed Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal, selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, will host exclusive preview screenings starting October 9, 2026. The special showcases will take place across major metropolitan cities—including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru—ahead of the film’s wider worldwide theatrical debut.

The preview run will launch in four designated theaters each in Mumbai and Pune before expanding to key national hubs. Presented in both Marathi and Hindi, these early screenings offer audiences an advance look at the atmospheric thriller. Written and directed by Davakhar, Gondhal draws inspiration from Maharashtra’s traditional folk performance ritual—a devotional mix of music, storytelling, and dance—reimagining it as a gripping psychological narrative centered on human emotion, hidden tension, and cultural heritage. The film features a strong lead cast including Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, and Yogesh Sohoni.

Gondhal arrives in theaters following significant accolades on the international and national festival circuits. Davakhar earned the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), while the film secured the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The project gained further momentum after receiving official honors from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following its Oscar selection.

Reflecting on the upcoming previews, director Santosh Davakhar emphasized the importance of the collective cinematic experience, sharing that the story’s visual and sonic atmosphere was crafted specifically for theaters. He expressed gratitude for bringing the film back to Indian audiences after its global recognition, encouraging viewers to experience its cultural and psychological journey firsthand. Following its exclusive preview run, Gondhal will launch globally across six languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.