Marathi Film ‘Gondhal’ Selected as India’s Official Entry for 99th Academy Awards

September 18, 2026

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

The Film Federation of India announced the selection in Mumbai on Friday. Out of 33 films in contention this year, the jury chose filmmaker Santosh Davakhar’s ‘Gondhal’ 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.

‘Gondhal’ Draws From Maharashtra’s Traditional Folk Ritual

Set against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual, the film revolves around a night-long folk performance featuring music, dance and mythology.

The selection marks another milestone for Marathi cinema on the international stage. ‘Gondhal’ becomes the fourth Marathi film to represent India at the Academy Awards after ‘Shwaas’, ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ and ‘Court’.

33 Films Were in Contention

Several other films were in contention for India’s official Oscar entry this year, including the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Border 2’, the Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise, ‘Dug Dug’, ‘Haq’, ‘Bhamardo’, ‘120 Bahadur’, ‘Gandhi Talks’, ‘Bison Kalaamadan’, ‘Shape of Momo’, ‘Governor’, ‘2020 Delhi’, ‘Pravas’, ‘Peddi’, ‘Irumudi’ and ‘Ikkis’, among others.

India’s previous 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 it to the 15-film Oscars shortlist for International Feature Film.

99th Oscars Set for March 2027

The 99th Academy Awards, honouring films released during 2026, are scheduled to take place on 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. The eligibility period runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026, while Oscar nominations are scheduled to be announced on January 21, 2027.

The 99th ceremony will take place ahead of the Academy Awards’ centenary celebration in 2028, when the 100th Academy Awards will be held.