India has officially selected the Marathi film Gondhal as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2027.

The Film Federation of India announced the selection on Friday. The film was chosen from a list of 33 submissions that were considered for the honour.

What Is Gondhal About?

Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal is set in rural Maharashtra and takes place over the course of a single night.

The story revolves around a newly married couple and the traditional Gondhal ritual, a cultural and religious performance that gives the film its distinctive setting.

The film explores its characters and their experiences against the backdrop of rural Maharashtra.

India’s Oscar Journey

With Gondhal being selected as India’s official submission, the Marathi film will now compete for a place in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

However, being selected as India’s official entry does not automatically mean the film will receive an Oscar nomination. It must first go through the Academy’s selection process along with films submitted by other countries.

Why Gondhal Is Getting Attention

The selection is notable because Gondhal is a Marathi-language film rooted in a specific cultural setting. Its story combines a traditional Maharashtrian ritual with a narrative centred on a newly married couple.

The film’s selection also highlights the growing presence of regional Indian cinema on international platforms.

Key Details

Film: Gondhal
Language: Marathi
Director: Santosh Davakhar
India’s Oscar Entry: Best International Feature Film
Oscars: 99th Academy Awards
Submissions Considered: 33

The next stage will determine which films ultimately make it to the Academy’s official shortlist and nominations.

What do you think about India’s choice of Gondhal for the Oscars 2027?