Marathi thriller Gondhal is heading to theatres across India on November 13, after being selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The Film Federation of India (FFI) announced the selection on September 18, bringing the film national attention ahead of its theatrical release.
Gondhal cast and crew
Gondhal features Kishor Kadam, Ishitaa Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu. The film’s music has been composed by veteran musician Ilaiyaraaja, with Amalendu Chaudhary serving as cinematographer.
Written, directed and produced by Santosh Davakhar under the banner of Davakhar Films, Gondhal will release in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Rooted in the folk traditions of Maharashtra, the film combines village life, a troubled relationship and a night of secrets that takes a dangerous turn. For director Santosh Davakhar , taking the film to audiences across the country is an opportunity to share a story deeply connected to Maharashtra’s culture. He added, “Cinema has no language barriers when the emotion is raw and honest, and I am filled with immense gratitude that viewers from every corner of India will get to experience this sacred, suspenseful journey on the big screen together. The film builds its suspense around the Gondhal ritual, drawing on the customs and atmosphere of rural Maharashtra to tell a story of obsession and human conflict.
Reflecting on the film’s journey and its Oscar selection, he said: He also expressed hope that the film would connect with viewers across languages and regions.
