31 October,2026 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Onam Gupta
Rohini Hattangadi and Gondhal poster via Instagram
Marathi Film Gondhal has been selected as India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. The announcement was made on September 18, with the Film Federation of India jury selecting Santosh Davakhar's film over 30 contenders this year. Veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi, known for her extensive work in Hindi and Marathi cinema, expressed immense pride in Gondhal being selected for the Oscars 2027 race. According to her, the Marathi industry has evolved remarkably over the last 10-15 years, with a new generation of artists exploring diverse subjects, experimenting with storytelling and bringing fresh perspectives to the big screen.
In an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day, the National Award-winning actress expressed pride in the growing stature of Marathi cinema and said, "Over the last 10-15 years, Marathi cinema has emerged like anything. Different kinds of subjects are being explored, and a new generation has come up. I think it is a welcome change for all of us, and I am super proud of it."
She also recalls being on the selection panel when Marathi film Deool won a National Film Award around 10-15 years ago. She clarifies that she did not push the film simply because it was Marathi and wanted it to be judged on its own merit. "About 10-15 years back, when Deool won the National Award, I was on the selection panel. However, I didn't say anything as Marathi film hai isliye aap hi boldo. But since then, Marathi cinema has evolved like anything," the actress said.
Veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi is one of the most respected names in Indian cinema. With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions to Hindi and Marathi films, theatre and television. She gained international recognition for playing Kasturba Gandhi in Gandhi (1982), becoming the first Indian actress to win a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She also won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Party (1984).
Over the years, the actress has been part of several notable films including Arth, Agneepath, Munna Bhai MBBS, Jalsa, Sarkar 3, Ek Ghar, Ghatak, Anjuman, Pukar, among others. She was last seen in Netflix's Meethe Mein Kya Hai, which premiered on October 30. She plays Nani in the family drama directed by Radhika Bansal.
Gondhal, which stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu, is rooted in the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual, a night-long folk performance featuring music, dance and mythology. What initially unfolds as a wedding celebration soon takes a dark turn, revealing a story of desire, jealousy, betrayal and long-buried tensions within a village.
The film marked director Santosh Davakhar's feature debut and premiered at the International Film Festival of India in Goa, where it recieved the Silver Peacock for Special Jury recognition.
