'We will not let India down': Gondhal director reacts to Anurag Kashyap questioning its entry to the Oscars

Anurag Kashyap and Santosh Davakhar pic via Instagram

Marathi film Gondhal is the latest Indian film to be submitted for the upcoming Oscars, following entries such as Homeland and Laapataa Ladies. Despite India's continuous efforts, no submission since Lagaan (2001) has made it to the Best International Feature Film shortlist. When asked why India has never won an Oscar, Anurag offered a candid response in a recent interview: "Because we select absolutely wrong films." He added that he is yet to watch Gondhal.

Santosh Davakhar defends Gondhal after Anurag Kashyap's Oscar remarks

Now, director Santosh Davakhar has responded to Anurag Kashyap's comments, defending Gondhal, while asking people not to judge the film without watching it. He wrote, "I deeply respect Anurag Kashyap Sir and his filmmaking. On the Bengaluru-Mumbai flight on 26 April at 23:55, I introduced Gondhal to him. He said he hadn't heard of or watched it but would definitely do so. Since then, it has neither been publicly available nor screened in Mumbai.

He wants audiences and critics to see Gondhal first and then form an opinion about whether it deserved to be India's Oscar submission. Davakhar further wrote, "My humble request to all audiences, please watch the film before passing a verdict. Made by a debut filmmaker from outside the film fraternity, Gondhal is a psychological thriller blending Marathi culture with global appeal. It is created for the big screen-not OTT. We understand the responsibility of representing India and will not let our country down. Please watch it in theatres upon its upcoming re-release and stand behind us as we face the world.., Regards..."

What did Anurag Kashyap say?

Anurag Kashyap had recently told Variety India that our country often misses out at major award shows such as the Oscars because it ends up selecting the wrong films. "Even if we did have the chance to select the right ones like The Lunchbox and All We Imagine As Light, we messed it up," he said.

He further added that one of the most essential eligibility criteria should be that a film has reached an international film festival or secured American distribution. "Gondhal should first try to get seen across festivals," Kashyap said.