Marathi Film ‘Gondhal’ Selected As India’s Oscars Entry

MUMBAI-Marathi-language film ‘Gondhal’ has been selected by the Film Federation of India as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.

The Film Federation of India made the announcement in Mumbai on September 18. There were 33 films in contention this year, and the jury picked Santosh Davakhar’s film to represent India in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu. It is set against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual, a night-long folk performance involving music, dance and mythology.

‘Gondhal’ is the fourth Marathi film to represent India at the Academy Awards, after ‘Shwaas’, ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ and ‘Court’.

Prior to this, 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. The film subsequently made the 15-film Oscars shortlist for International Feature Film.

The 99th Academy Awards, honoring films released during 2026, are scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. The eligibility period runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026, while nominations are scheduled to be announced on January 21, 2027.

Conan O’Brien is set to return as host for the third consecutive year. (IANS)