Key Highlights:

  • The Film Federation of India has selected the Marathi film "Gondhal" as India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.
  • Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film beat 33 contenders, including "Dhurandhar," "Haq" and "120 Bahadur."
  • "Gondhal" is set against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal folk ritual.
  • It is the fourth Marathi film to represent India at the Oscars, after "Shwaas," "Harishchandrachi Factory" and "Court."
  • The 99th Academy Awards will be held on March 14, 2027, with Conan O'Brien returning as host for a third consecutive year.

A Marathi Film Wins India's Top Oscar Slot

The Marathi language film "Gondhal" has been selected by the Film Federation of India as India's official entry for the upcoming 99th edition of the Academy Awards, marking a significant moment for regional Indian cinema on the global awards stage.

A Competitive Selection Process

The Film Federation of India made the announcement in Mumbai on Friday. There were 33 films in contention this year, and the jury ultimately picked Santosh Davakhar's film to represent India in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, a decision that came after evaluating a notably large and diverse pool of submissions spanning multiple Indian languages and genres.

The Film's Story and Cast

"Gondhal" stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu. The film is set against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual, a night-long folk performance involving music, dance and mythology, grounding its narrative in a distinctly regional cultural tradition that offers international audiences a window into a lesser-known aspect of Maharashtrian folk heritage.

A Strong Field of Contenders

The other titles in contention this year included the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer "Main Vaapas Aaunga," "Border 2," and the Ranveer Singh-starrer "Dhurandhar" franchise, alongside "Dug Dug," "Haq," "Bhamardo," "120 Bahadur," "Sing Geetham," "Tera Mera Nata," "Ladoo," "Ohh My Dog," "Balan The Boy," "Peddi," "Irumudi," "Khoonta," "Gandhi Talks," "Bison Kalaamadan," "Shape of Momo," "Governor," "2020 Delhi," "Commando Vin Love Story," "Pravas," "Man Aatale Manaatle," "Obsess," "Egwa," "Angh," "Hanuman Ansh" and "Ikkis," reflecting the breadth and diversity of Indian cinema submitted for consideration this year, spanning major commercial productions alongside smaller, more regionally rooted films.

A Notable Milestone for Marathi Cinema

"Gondhal" becomes the fourth Marathi film to represent India at the Academy Awards, following "Shwaas," "Harishchandrachi Factory" and "Court," placing it within a relatively small but consistently respected lineage of Marathi cinema that has earned India's official Oscar selection over the years.

Last Year's Selection and Its Outcome

Prior to this year's selection, India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards was Neeraj Ghaywan's drama "Homebound," starring Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter. That film went on to make the 15-film Oscars shortlist for International Feature Film, a notable achievement that likely raises expectations for how far "Gondhal" might progress in this year's competition.

Key Dates for the 99th Academy Awards

The 99th Academy Awards, honouring films released during 2026, are scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. Conan O'Brien is set to return as host for the third consecutive year, continuing his run at the ceremony. The eligibility period runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026, while nominations are scheduled to be announced on January 21, 2027, giving "Gondhal" a defined and fairly compressed timeline ahead before its Oscar prospects become clearer.

Looking Ahead to a Landmark Anniversary

This year's ceremony will precede the Oscars' centenary celebration in 2028, when the 100th Academy Awards will be held, adding a broader historical context to the current award cycle as the Academy approaches this significant institutional milestone in the years just ahead.