02 October,2026 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gondhal (Pic/Instagram)
India's official Oscar submission Gondhal is set to give audiences an early chance to watch the Marathi psychological thriller with special paid previews from October 9. The Santosh Davakhar-directed film will screen across select cities and theatres ahead of its worldwide release, offering cinephiles an early look at the film.
Gondhal'', India's official submission to the 99th Academy Awards, is set to have special paid previews from October 9 across select cities and theatres, ahead of its worldwide release. The Marathi cerebral psychological thriller will have preview screenings across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru ahead of its wider worldwide theatrical release. The makers announced the previews on Instagram, sharing a poster and writing, "Gondhal opens its doors for cinephiles and lovers of cinema with special paid previews from 10th October across select cities and theatres." Described as a Marathi cerebral psychological thriller, the film is rooted in culture and explores the complexities of the human mind."
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. There were 33 films in contention this year, and the jury picked Santosh Davakhar's film to represent India in the Best International Film category for 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.
The other titles included the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Main Vaapas Aaunga, Border 2 and the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar franchise, among many others.
It is the 4th 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.
After the announcement, Anurag Kashyap had questioned the country's selection strategy. He cited The Lunchbox and All We Imagine As Light as films that could have been stronger choices, claiming that the Film Federation of India "messed it up" and that the two films were "deliberately" not selected. Director Santosh Davakhar had responded to Anurag Kashyap's comments, urging audiences to watch it before passing judgement.
