Marathi film Gondhal, India's Oscar entry, gets industry backing at Mumbai screening

Gondhal, India's official submission for the 99th Academy Awards, received a show of support from the Indian film industry at a special screening in Mumbai. Amruta Fadnavis hosted the event, which drew filmmakers and actors, as well as the film's cast and crew.

Industry turnout and reaction

Among those who came were director Madhur Bhandarkar and actors Mahima Makwana and Daisy Shah. Several other performers and filmmakers also attended. Fadnavis praised the team and singled out writer-director Santosh Davakhar for his storytelling. She said it was a proud moment for Maharashtra and that a Marathi film had not been chosen for the Oscars in a long while.

Fadnavis described Gondhal as a rustic, gripping tale about village traditions. She said the film shows how society tries to oppress women, while the women in it assert their personality. She also praised the cinematography, music and direction.

About the film

Gondhal is a dark psychological thriller in Marathi about desire and obsession, set against the Jagran Gondhal ritual. Its English title is Sacred Obsession. Davakhar has said he wanted to make a film that speaks to Indian audiences and to viewers abroad. The film was first released in November 2025. It has since been dubbed into several other Indian languages. The version re-released on 13 November will reach more viewers outside Marathi-speaking audiences.

The screening suggests the film is building support at home before its Oscar campaign continues. The Academy has not yet announced its nominations for the category, and it is not yet known how far the film will progress.