In a massive and incredibly proud moment for Marathi cinema, the 2025 psychological and cultural thriller Gondhal has officially been selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (2027 Oscars). Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film had a relatively quiet domestic theatrical release in November 2025 but has steadily garnered massive international acclaim on the global festival circuit.
With music composed by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja and a storyline deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s vibrant folk traditions, the film has suddenly found itself squarely in the global spotlight. Here is a complete breakdown of what Gondhal is about, its massive festival run, and why it is a cinematic triumph!
The Premise: A Wedding Party Turned Sinister
The film unfolds entirely over the course of a single, highly tense night in rural Maharashtra. The film centers around a traditional, night-long celebratory ritual—also called a gondhal—performed through dance and music to chase away negative energy and bless a newly married couple.
However, beneath the ceremonial festivities and the rhythmic beating of the drums, the village is a powder keg waiting to explode. The newlyweds are Anand (Yogesh Sohoni), the simple-minded son of a wealthy family, and the beautiful Suman (Ishita Deshmukh), who is widely considered out of his league. Trapped between her present duties and her past, Suman is surrounded by jealous suitors, including the corrupt village chief’s son, Sarjerao (Nishad Bhoir), and the man she truly loves.
As the night progresses, the traditional folk performance perfectly mirrors the escalating human drama. What starts as a joyful celebration gradually uncovers buried truths, deep resentments, and dangerous romantic jealousy, transforming the narrative into a gripping psychological thriller.
Why ‘Gondhal’ Deserves The Oscar Nod
What sets Gondhal apart from traditional thrillers is how director Santosh Davakhar intrinsically weaves the folk ritual into the storytelling. The ritual isn’t just a colorful rural backdrop; it dictates the claustrophobic and intense atmosphere of the film.
The film operates on two brilliant levels:
- Cultural Authenticity: The result of over two years of research, the movie is deeply committed to using Maharashtrian motifs, folklore symbolism, and the mythological tales of Khanderaya to drive the narrative forward.
- Technical Finesse: Elevated by Amalendu Chaudhary’s brilliant cinematography—which uses available light, deep darkness, and the warm glow of firelight—and the masterful, atmospheric score by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, the film is a rich cinematic experience.
While it relies heavily on local traditions, the themes of human vulnerability, fragile egos, and the collision between personal ambition and duty make Gondhal a universally resonating thriller.
The Festival Run That Led To The Academy Awards
Before being selected as India’s official Oscar entry, Gondhal swept the international and domestic film festival circuits.
At the prestigious 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Santosh Davakhar bagged the Silver Peacock Award for Best Director. The film also secured the FIPRESCI Award at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (2026) and scored major wins (including Best Director and Best Cinematographer) at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).
As the movie becomes only the fourth Marathi film in history to represent India at the Academy Awards, cinephiles across the country are eagerly waiting for it to drop on major OTT platforms to witness the magic!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Marathi movie Gondhal about?
Gondhal is a psychological thriller set over a single night during a traditional Maharashtrian wedding ritual. It follows a newly married couple and the village’s escalating tensions, secrets, and romantic jealousies that surface as the night-long folk performance unfolds.
Is Gondhal selected for the Oscars?
Yes, the Film Federation of India has officially selected the film as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (2027 Oscars).
Who directed the movie Gondhal?
The 2025 Marathi film was written and directed by Santosh Davakhar.
Who is in the cast of Gondhal?
The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including veteran actor Kishor Kadam, alongside Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, Anuj Prabhu, and Suresh Vishwakarma.
Where can I watch Gondhal on OTT?
Despite the sudden surge in global interest following its Oscar selection, Gondhal is currently not available on major OTT platforms. Announcements regarding its digital premiere are highly anticipated.
