'Gondhal' team meets CM Devendra Fadnavis for Oscar 2027 push
Marathi film Gondhal meets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis as it prepares for the 99th Academy Awards campaign.
The cast and crew of the Marathi psychological thriller 'Gondhal', India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, were honored with a special meeting by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. This significant gathering marks a milestone for the production as it prepares to represent Indian cinema on the global stage.
A Celebration of Maharashtrian Culture
The meeting, which brought together the creative minds behind the film, focused on the journey of taking a story deeply rooted in Maharashtrian traditions to an international audience. The session was initiated by Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), and was led by Ameet Satam, President of BJP Mumbai.
Key members in attendance included:
- Santosh Davakhar (Writer-Director-Producer)
- Diksha Davakhar (Producer)
- Kishore Kadam (Actor)
- Ishita Deshmukh (Actor)
- Yogesh Sohoni (Actor)
- Ashok Dubey (General Secretary, FWICE)
- IFTDA members Nishant Ujwal and Swapna Waghmare Joshi
The Story Behind 'Gondhal'
Directed by Santosh Davakhar, 'Gondhal' is a gripping psychological thriller inspired by the centuries-old Maharashtrian ritual of the same name. The narrative unfolds over the course of a single night, weaving a complex tale of trust, betrayal, and the intricate layers of human relationships as hidden truths are brought to light.
The film has already garnered significant critical acclaim, including:
- The Silver Peacock Award for Best Director at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for Santosh Davakhar.
- The FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival.
A Global Vision for Marathi Cinema
For the team, the recognition from the Chief Minister serves as a powerful boost as they embark on their Academy Awards campaign. Santosh Davakhar expressed that the meeting was a privilege during such a pivotal moment for the film.
"For a Marathi film to represent India at the Academy Awards is a matter of immense pride, and this recognition strengthens our belief that stories rooted in our culture can resonate across the world. We hope Gondhal continues to carry the spirit of Maharashtra and Indian cinema to audiences across the globe," said Davakhar.
To ensure the story reaches the widest possible audience, the film is gearing up for a massive worldwide theatrical release. To transcend linguistic barriers, it will be available in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, aiming to bring the essence of Maharashtra to viewers far beyond its original community.