Gondhal Heading to Oscars 2027: Yogesh Sohoni Reacts to Official Entry

Selected over 32 regional contenders, Santosh Davakhar’s dark folk thriller emerges as India’s official candidate for the 99th Academy Awards.

The Film Federation of India (FFI) officially named director Santosh Davakhar’s psychological thriller Gondhal as the country's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. Announced on September 18, 2026, by jury chairman P. Sheshadri, the Marathi feature beat out 32 competing films across various regional industries. Set around a traditional midnight folk ritual in rural Maharashtra, the movie stars Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, and Anuj Prabhu. Lead actor Yogesh Sohoni described the selection as a dream come true, emphasizing that the global spotlight represents a significant milestone for regional filmmaking.

From Cold Night Shifts to Global Recognition

The film’s path to the Academy Awards was anything but easy. Shot across 27 grueling night shifts near Thane during winter, the crew endured temperatures dipping to 8 degrees Celsius. Sohoni recalled shooting intense fight sequences in freezing, muddy water alongside co-star Anuj Prabhu, noting that those harsh physical conditions were the hardest part of production. Originally auditioning for a supporting part, Sohoni landed the main role of Anand after Davakhar offered him a direct narration.

After releasing in November 2025 with modest theatrical numbers, organic word-of-mouth momentum carried Gondhal through major festival circuits, including a Silver Peacock win for Davakhar at the International Film Festival of India.

Overcoming Initial Box Office Slowdowns

Despite early box office quietness, strong audience reactions transformed the film's trajectory.

According to official statements during a recent media interaction, Yogesh Sohoni expressed that while initial theatrical awareness was slow, steady word-of-mouth elevated the project, adding that this selection will encourage audiences and producers to treat Marathi cinema with even greater seriousness.

Jury chairman P. Sheshadri noted that Gondhal emerged on top after a 10-day viewing marathon, narrowly edging out high-profile contenders like Angh and Ikkis.

Why It Matters

Selection as India's official Oscar submission provides immense distribution leverage for regional indie films, attracting international festival interest and global streaming acquisition deals. For the Marathi film industry, securing its fourth historical entry validates hyper-local, culturally rooted storytelling over formulaic big-budget commercial templates.

Key Takeaways

• Oscars 2027 Candidate: Gondhal becomes India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

• Jury Consensus: Selected by an FFI jury panel from 33 contender films across 10 viewing days.

• Extreme Production: Completed over 27 continuous night shifts in freezing 8-degree temperatures.

• Regional Milestone: Marks only the fourth Marathi-language feature ever chosen to represent India at the Oscars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which film is India's official entry for the Oscars 2027?

Santosh Davakhar's Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal is India's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

What is the storyline of the Marathi film Gondhal?

Set in rural Maharashtra over one night, the plot follows an unhappy wife whose escape plan triggers murder and deception during a traditional folk ritual performance.

How many Indian films competed for the Oscar 2027 submission?

The Film Federation of India selection committee evaluated 33 total submissions spanning multiple Indian languages before choosing Gondhal.

Sources: Zee News Exclusive Report, Business Today FFI Announcement & The Indian Express Cinema Update