Marathi thriller Gondhal launches global trailer for Oscar campaign

The Marathi-language thriller “Gondhal,” directed by Santosh Davakhar, has released its global trailer as part of its campaign for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. Selected by the Film Federation of India from a field of 33 contenders, the film represents a shift toward prioritizing regional Indian cinema over traditional Bollywood productions for international recognition.

Set over a single night in rural Maharashtra, the story centers on a Gondhal—a folk ritual involving song, dance, and theatrical storytelling. The plot follows Suman, a young wife attempting to reclaim control of her life amidst suffocating marital circumstances and conflicting codes of honor, leading to a tragic conclusion. The film features a 25-minute unbroken opening take and music by composer Ilaiyaraaja.

Director Santosh Davakhar, a Silver Peacock winner at the International Film Festival of India, stated that the film aims to showcase India’s cultural wealth and traditions through a universal cinematic language, moving beyond global narratives often limited to poverty and caste conflict.