Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Gondhal Selected as India’s Official 2027 Oscars Entry
Gondhal is a Marathi-language thriller directed by Santosh Davakhar.
It has been chosen to represent India at the 2027 Academy Awards.
The movie is based around Gondhal, a traditional ritual from rural Maharashtra involving music, dance and mythology.
Its story follows a newlywed woman and her lover.
The woman uses the ritual in a dangerous plan.
Davakhar hopes the film will show international audiences India’s culture and heritage.
The film was selected from 33 Indian movies.
The team plans to promote it in the United States.
Gondhal must first make the Academy’s shortlist and then become one of the final nominees.
Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi-language thriller Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2027 Academy Awards.
The film was chosen from 33 submissions spanning several Indian languages and genres.
Set around Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal ritual, the thriller follows a newlywed woman who turns sacred tradition into a deadly confrontation.
Davakhar said the film aims to showcase India’s culture and heritage rather than familiar international portrayals focused on poverty and casteism.
The team is planning a promotional campaign in the United States before the March 14, 2027 ceremony.
- Who
- Director Santosh Davakhar and the team behind the Marathi film Gondhal.
- What
- Gondhal was selected as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards.
- When
- The selection was announced on Friday; the Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027.
- Where
- The film is set in rural Maharashtra, and its promotional campaign will take place in the United States.
- Why
- Davakhar said the film was made to represent India’s cultural heritage and showcase the Gondhal tradition to international audiences.
- Film
- Gondhal
- Director
- Santosh Davakhar
- Language
- Marathi
- Selection category
- Best International Feature
- Number of submissions
- 33 films
- Academy Awards ceremony
- March 14, 2027
- Next selection stage
- A 15-film shortlist is scheduled for December, followed by nominations voting in January 2027.