Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, entering the race in the Best International Feature Film category.

Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the Marathi thriller was chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) from 33 submissions. The selection marks another significant moment for Marathi cinema on the international stage.

Gondhal draws extensively from Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal ritual and folk-performance culture, incorporating the region’s cultural traditions into its thriller narrative.

The film had already earned international recognition before its Oscar selection. Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2025.

The Oscar selection now puts Gondhal at the centre of India’s campaign for the 2027 Academy Awards. Its journey will continue through the international feature film selection process before the final Oscar nominations are announced.

The selection also highlights the growing presence of regional Indian cinema in major international film conversations, with Gondhal bringing Marathi storytelling and Maharashtra’s folk traditions to a global audience.