Marathi, Sep 19 : Marathi film “Gondhal”, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2027 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
The Film Federation of India announced the selection on September 18 after the film was chosen from 33 submissions. The competing titles included several major Hindi releases as well as films from other regional industries.
Set in rural Maharashtra, “Gondhal” revolves around a traditional folk ritual and explores relationships, personal ambitions and human vulnerabilities. The film features actors including Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu.
The movie had already received recognition on the festival circuit. Davakhar won the Silver Peacock Award for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025, adding to the film’s growing list of honours.
The selection also makes “Gondhal” the fourth Marathi-language film to be chosen as India’s official Oscar entry, following “Shwaas”, “Harishchandrachi Factory” and “Court”.
The Oscar submission does not automatically mean the film has secured a nomination. The Academy will later announce its shortlist and final nominees. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027.