Marathi Film Gondhal Brings Centuries-Old Ritual to Oscars

Gondhal is both an old Marathi ritual and the name of a new film.

In the ritual, performers called Gondhalis sing and play music for a family’s deity.

Families may hold it after important events such as weddings or recoveries from illness.

The performers use drums, cymbals and sometimes flaming torches.

The film tells a thriller story connected to this tradition.

It was directed by Santosh Davakhar and uses music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

A jury chose it from 33 Indian film submissions to represent India at the Oscars.

The selection gives Maharashtra’s folk tradition international attention.