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.

Rohini Hattangadi on Gondhal's Oscar entry

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."