The Film Federation of India has officially announced that the Marathi film ‘Gondhal’ will represent the nation at the 2027 Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. The selection process was a rigorous one, with the 15-member jury choosing the film from a competitive pool of 33 entries. Abhay Sinha, President of the Film Federation of India, described the film as a unique cinematic blend, noting that it successfully balances elements of a family drama with a gripping thriller, a combination that resonated deeply with the selection committee.
The committee, chaired by noted filmmaker P. Sheshadri, consisted of 14 professionals spanning various disciplines including cinematography, editing, production, and acting. The pool of 33 films considered for the prestigious spot included 14 Hindi titles, alongside entries from Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema. The diverse panel ultimately reached a consensus on the Santosh Davakhar-directed project, which features an ensemble cast including Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, and Anuj Prabhu.
Set against the vivid cultural backdrop of rural Maharashtra, ‘Gondhal’ explores the complex intersection of ritualistic tradition, personal ambition, and human vulnerability. The film, which features a musical score by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, has already made a significant mark on the festival circuit, picking up accolades at IFFI, the Bengaluru International Film Festival, the Pune International Film Festival, and the Third Eye Asian International Film Festival. Following its theatrical release on November 14, 2025, the two-hour feature now prepares to carry India’s hopes forward on the global stage at the upcoming Oscars.