India Chooses ‘Gondhal’ for 99th Academy Awards, Fourth Marathi Oscar Entry

In a landmark announcement, the Film Federation of India confirmed that the Marathi feature ‘Gondhal’ will carry the nation’s flag at the 99th Academy Awards. The film earned a spot in the coveted Best International Feature Film category, beating out 32 other Indian contenders.

Santosh Davakhar’s direction, which spotlights the traditional Gondhal ritual of Maharashtra, resonated with the selection panel. The ritual, celebrated through an all‑night performance of music, dance and mythic narratives, serves as the film’s evocative backdrop.

The ensemble cast—Kishore Kampa, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhor and Anuj Prabhu—bring the cultural tapestry to life, offering audiences a window into a lesser‑known facet of Indian heritage.

‘Gondhal’ follows three earlier Marathi films that represented India at the Oscars: ‘Shwaas’, ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ and ‘Court’. Its inclusion underscores the momentum regional cinema is gaining on the world stage.

The 99th Oscars ceremony is slated for March 14, 2027, at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, with Conan O’Brien slated to host for the third year running. The eligibility window spans the calendar year 2026, and official nominations will be released on January 21, 2027.