Marathi cinema has achieved a monumental milestone with Gondhal, the latest psychological thriller to be named India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. Directed by Santosh Davakhar, this film is not just a regional story but a global cinematic event. After a successful festival run and critical acclaim, the film is preparing for a massive international theatrical rollout.
The Road to the 99th Academy Awards
On 18 September 2026, the Film Federation of India officially selected Gondhal from a pool of 33 films to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars. This selection places it among an elite group of Marathi films like Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory, and Court that have previously carried the Indian flag to the Academy.
Director Santosh Davakhar has already earned high honors for this project, including the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Jurors at the festival compared the film to a Shakespearean fable, noting its ability to weave ancient traditions into a modern, gripping narrative.
Gondhal Global Release Date and Multilingual Rollout
The film originally had a limited theatrical release in India on 14 November 2025. While it initially struggled at the box office, its subsequent festival success and Oscar selection have sparked a massive revival. The official worldwide release date for the expanded version is 13 November 2026. This release is historic for regional cinema as it marks the first time a Marathi film will get a seven-language global theatrical rollout. Audiences can watch the film in:
- Marathi (Original)
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Malayalam
- Kannada
- English
Distribution is being handled by major industry players. Hombale Films, the powerhouse behind KGF and Kantara, is managing the overseas distribution, ensuring the film reaches screens in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Dubai, and Africa. In India, distribution is led by AA Films and Custard Apple Pictures.
Meet the Gondhal Movie Cast and Crew
The strength of the film lies in its stellar performances and a technical team that brings a high level of artistry to the screen. The cast features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars.
| Actor | Role | Key Background |
|---|---|---|
| Kishor Kadam | Bhivaba | Renowned veteran of Marathi and Hindi cinema. |
| Ishita Deshmukh | Suman | The central protagonist/antagonist of the thriller. |
| Yogesh Sohoni | Ananda / Anandrao | The husband caught in a web of deceit. |
| Nishad Bhoir | Sahebrao | A pivotal character who disrupts the ritual. |
| Suresh Vishwakarma | Abasaheb | Portrays the powerful village elder. |
| Anuj Prabhu | Vishnu | Bhivaba’s grandson. |
Behind the scenes, the film features music by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, whose score adds a haunting depth to the psychological tension. The cinematography is helmed by Amalendu Chaudhary, who was tasked with executing the film’s most ambitious technical feats.
Plot Summary: A Psychological Twist on Folk Tradition
The story is set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds over the course of a single night. It centers on the traditional Gondhal ritual, a devotional performance usually held for newly married couples. Suman, a young bride, appears to be the perfect wife to Ananda, but she harbors dark ambitions and a secret love for Sahebrao.
As the night progresses and the ritualistic music reaches a crescendo, Suman weaves a web of manipulation. She uses the jealousy of another villager, Sarjerao, to orchestrate a murder, intending to frame him and escape with her lover. However, the night takes a violent and unexpected turn as mistaken identities and hidden secrets lead to a tragic climax by the riverbank. It is a story where devotion and betrayal collide under the cover of sacred tradition.
Technical Brilliance: The 25-Minute Unbroken Shot
One of the most talked-about aspects of Gondhal is its opening sequence. The film begins with a 25-minute unbroken take, a feat rarely seen in Indian cinema. This single shot introduces the audience to the geography of the village and the atmospheric tension of the ritual without a single cut. This technical mastery, combined with the film’s running time of 120 minutes, has made it a favorite among cinematography enthusiasts and film students globally.
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OTT Release: Where to Stream Gondhal?
As of 28 October 2026, the makers have focused primarily on the theatrical and Oscar campaign. While an official OTT release date has not been finalized, industry insiders suggest that a major streaming platform like Amazon Prime Video or Netflix will likely acquire the rights following the 13 November theatrical window.
Typically, films with a heavy international push wait 6 to 8 weeks after their global theatrical debut before landing on streaming services. This would place the estimated OTT premiere in early January 2027, coinciding with the peak of the Academy Awards season. Stay tuned for official confirmation from Davakhar Films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Why is Gondhal India’s official entry for Oscar 2026?
The Film Federation of India selected Gondhal due to its unique blend of cultural authenticity, psychological depth, and technical excellence, including a record-breaking 25-minute single-take opening.
Q.What is the global release date for Gondhal?
The film will be released in seven languages worldwide on 13 November 2026.
Q.In which languages is the movie Gondhal available?
It is available in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English.
Q.Who composed the music for Gondhal?
The legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja composed the score and soundtrack for the film.
Q.Is Gondhal based on a true story?
While it draws heavily from real Maharashtrian cultural traditions and folk rituals, the plot itself is a fictional psychological thriller.
