Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has publicly expressed his pride regarding the selection of the Marathi film ‘Gondhal’ as India’s official entry for the Oscars. In a post on social media platform X, he commended the film for its potential to represent India on an international stage. The film’s selection is considered a significant moment for Marathi cinema, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.

In his message, CM Fadnavis extended congratulations to the entire team behind ‘Gondhal’, expressing hopes that the film will achieve success on a global level. He specifically acknowledged the director, Santosh Davakhar, and the essence of the film, stating it is rooted in the local traditions of Maharashtra.

The announcement came after the Film Federation of India’s selection committee chose ‘Gondhal’ from a pool of 33 films submitted for consideration. This committee, consisting of various film industry professionals, evaluated each entry carefully before arriving at their decision.

Details About ‘Gondhal’

‘Gondhal’, directed by Santosh Davakhar, features notable performances from actors Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, and Anuj Prabhu. The film has a runtime of approximately two hours and presents a narrative that delves into the complexities of tradition, ambition, and human emotion within a rural Maharashtra setting.

Released in theatres on November 14, 2025, ‘Gondhal’ has garnered attention for its compelling storytelling and cultural relevance. The selection for the Oscars highlights the film’s thematic depth and artistic value, marking a notable achievement for Marathi cinema as it steps into the international spotlight.

The committee tasked with selecting the official entry comprised 14 members, led by filmmaker P Sheshadri. This group represented various regions and areas of expertise within the Indian film industry, reinforcing the collaborative nature of cinema in the country.

Response from Filmmakers and the Film Community

In their post, the filmmakers reiterated their appreciation for the trust placed in ‘Gondhal’ and acknowledged the contributions of the entire cast and crew. They emphasised that this recognition is not only a victory for the film but also for the rich storytelling tradition of Indian cinema.

The historical significance of ‘Gondhal’ being chosen as the official entry for the 99th Academy Awards is a landmark for Marathi cinema, illustrating the evolving landscape of Indian films and their reception on global platforms. The film now enters the competitive race for the International Feature Film category, aiming to bring further recognition to Indian storytelling.

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