NEWS: Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars) 2027 in the Best International Feature Film category.

ABOUT

• Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars) 2027 in the Best International Feature Film category.
• The Film Federation of India (FFI) selected it from 33 films; the committee was chaired by P. Sheshadri.

About the Film

• Director & Writer: Santosh Davakhar.
• Set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds over one night during the traditional Gondhal ritual.
• Explores themes of devotion, deception and fate against the backdrop of Maharashtra’s traditional ritual and dance.

International Recognition

• World premiere at IFFI Goa 2025 in the Indian Panorama section.
• Santosh Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director.

India & Oscars

• No Indian film has yet won the Best International Feature Film category.
• Earlier known as the Best Foreign Language Film category.
• Indian films nominated: Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan.
• 99th Academy Awardsà Scheduled for 14 March 2027.