Cinema VinesIn a landmark announcement on Friday, September 18, 2026, the Film Federation of India (FFI) declared that the Marathi-language drama Gondhal would represent the nation at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2027. The selection, made by a committee chaired by P. Seshadri, came after a review of 33 eligible films, underscoring the film’s strong standing among its peers.
Directed and written by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal unfolds over a single night in rural Maharashtra, centering on a traditional Gondhal ritual that brings a newly married couple together. The cast features Suresh Vishwakarma, Kailash Waghmare, and Madhavi Juvekar in pivotal roles, bringing the story’s cultural nuances to life.
Following the announcement, Davakhar celebrated on Instagram, posting the film’s poster with the caption, “Hurray! What a news! for Team Gondhal.” His enthusiasm reflects the significance of the Oscar nomination process, which is still in its early stages. The film must now navigate the subsequent rounds of selection before the final nominations are announced in January 2027.
Despite no Indian film having yet secured the Best International Feature Film award, Gondhal carries the hopes of a new generation of filmmakers. The last year’s entry, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, also fell short of a nomination, highlighting the competitive nature of the category.
Released in theaters on November 14, 2025, Gondhal achieved modest box‑office returns, collecting approximately ₹90 lakh gross and ₹84 lakh net in India, according to trade tracker Sacnilk. However, the film has resonated strongly with audiences online, earning an impressive 8.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb based on roughly 4,200 reviews.
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027, with the official nominee list slated for release on January 21, 2027. Gondhal now enters the international spotlight, aiming to break new ground for Indian cinema on the world stage.
