Mumbai, Sept. 18 -- Marathi film Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Friday.
The film was chosen from 33 entries considered by the selection committee, chaired by filmmaker P Sheshadri. "This time the official entry is 'Gondhal'," Sheshadri said, adding that the committee watched all 33 films over 10 days. He said Angh and Ikkis were among the other films in the final three.
Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal unfolds over a night during a traditional ritual centred on a newly-wed couple. The story follows Suman, played by Ishita Deshmukh, who is caught in an oppressive marriage and plans a murder and escape with her lover.
Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohani, Nishad Bhoir, Anuj Prabhu and Dhru Thoke also feature in the film. Veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja has scored its music.
The film premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa in 2025 under the Indian Panorama section, where Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director.
Sheshadri said the selection was difficult, with films including Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar also in contention. He said Gondhal met the criteria of representing Indian culture and ethos, while its filmmaking, music, performances and human content also influenced the committee's decision.
Gondhal is the fourth Marathi film to represent India in the Oscar submission. Earlier entries were Shwaas (2005), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009) and Court (2015).
Davakhar said the team had been confident about the film's prospects and would now begin a six-month promotional campaign. The 99th Oscars will be held on March 14, 2027.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.