India’s Oscar Entry ‘Gondhal’ Unveils Global Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)
Marathi-language thriller *Gondhal*, India’s submission for the international feature Oscar at the 99th Academy Awards, has released its global trailer. The first feature by writer-director Santosh Davakhar was selected from 33 contenders and centres on a rural folk ritual, using its story to bring a regional tradition to international audiences.
The film unfolds over one night in Maharashtra, where Suman, played by Ishita Deshmukh, seeks control over her marriage by exploiting her lover Sarjerao’s fixation on her; the clash with local codes of honour ends in tragedy. The cast also includes Nishad Bhoir, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and Anuj Prabhu. It opens with a 25-minute unbroken take, features music and score by Ilaiyaraaja, and Davakhar won best director at the 56th International Film Festival of India.
In short
- India’s Oscar entry *Gondhal* has released its global trailer.
- The Marathi thriller unfolds during a folk ritual in rural Maharashtra.
- Director Santosh Davakhar won best director at IFFI.
Explained simply
Marathi is a language spoken mainly in the Indian state of Maharashtra, where local customs and folk rituals remain part of community life. A film built around one of these traditions can offer international audiences a glimpse of a setting and culture they may not know.
Gondhal is a ritual performance associated with folk worship in Maharashtra. The thriller follows Suman and Sarjerao over a night in a rural community, where their relationship comes into conflict with local expectations about honour and marriage.
India puts forward one film each year for consideration in the Academy Award category for international feature film; selection as its entry does not guarantee a nomination or award. Gondhal is the first feature directed by Santosh Davakhar, and its selection from 33 contenders brings a Marathi-language story into that process.