Gondhal Movie Oscars 2027: Marathi Psychological Thriller Selected as India's Official Entry

The Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal has been officially selected as India's entry for the 99th Academy Awards. Announced in Mumbai on September 18, 2026, the film was chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) jury from a competitive pool of 33 contenders, including titles such as Hanuman Ansh and Dhurandhar 2 [1].

From Festival Success to Oscar Contender

Directed by Santosh Davakhar in his feature debut, Gondhal has followed a trajectory of critical acclaim over commercial success. While the film had a "subdued" theatrical performance following its November 2025 release, it gained significant momentum on the festival circuit. Most notably, it won the Silver Peacock for Special Jury recognition at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa [1].

The FFI selection committee, led by filmmaker P Sheshadri, highlighted the film's technical brilliance and cultural authenticity. Jury member Firdausul Hasan noted that the film "stood out in every aspect," specifically praising the extraordinary music, photography, and its depiction of Indian culture [1].

Plot and Cultural Context: The Gondhal Ritual

The gondhal movie derives its name and central theme from the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal—a night-long folk performance involving mythology, dance, and music. However, the film uses this sacred ritual as a backdrop for a dark psychological narrative.

The story centers on a young bride trapped in a troubled marriage. The plot evolves into a "dangerous game of deception, desire and power" as she manipulates a lover's obsession with the folk ritual, turning a village wedding celebration into a tale of betrayal and buried tensions [1]. The film features a cast including Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, and Anuj Prabhu.

The Road to the 99th Academy Awards

Selection by the FFI is the initial step in a rigorous process. To secure a nomination for the Oscars on March 14, 2027, Gondhal must now navigate the Academy's international feature film voting process. This involves being shortlisted into a 15-film list before the final five nominees are announced.

Milestone	Status/Date
FFI Official Selection	Confirmed (Sept 18, 2026)
Theatrical Release	November 2025
IFFI Award	Silver Peacock (Special Jury)
99th Academy Awards Ceremony	March 14, 2027