Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 19 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed immense pride in the moment as Marathi film 'Gondhal' has been selected as India's official Oscar entry. 

In an X post, CM Fadnavis hailed the film, which will now represent India on the international stage. He also congratulated the entire team of 'Gondhal', wishing the film to touch new heights on the global level. 

"A Moment of Pride for Marathi Cinema! Director Santosh Davkhar's Marathi film 'Gondhal' has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars 2027. The selection committee of the Film Federation of India chose 'Gondhal' from among 33 films, and this film, which connects with the rich folk traditions and culture of Maharashtra, will now represent India on the international stage. Heartfelt congratulations to the entire team of 'Gondhal'! May this story rooted in the soil of Maharashtra reach new heights on the global level-our warmest wishes!" he wrote.

https://x.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/2100991688168902670

Earlier on Friday, the Marathi thriller was announced as the much-awaited Oscar entry for India. 

As per a statement by the Film Federation of India (FFI), the selection was made by the FFI Selection Committee. The committee comprised 14 members representing different regions and areas of expertise across the Indian film industry, with filmmaker P Sheshadri serving as Chairman.

Marathi film 'Gondhal' was directed by Santosh Davakhar and starred Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu in the lead roles. With a runtime of approximately 2 hours, the movie was selected from the films entered for consideration by the Film Federation of India.

The Selection Committee included filmmakers, actors, producers, cinematographers, editors and other professionals from across India.

The official Oscar entry for the Marathi film marks a landmark milestone for Marathi cinema, with Gondhal now representing India in the Academy Awards' International Feature Film race.

The makers of Gondhal shared the news on their Instagram through their film's page. They described the selection of Gondhal as a 'proud and historic moment for Indian cinema'.

'A proud and historic moment for Indian cinema! With immense pride and heartfelt gratitude, we thank the Government of India, the Film Federation of India (FFI), the distinguished jury members from across India, and the entire Indian film fraternity for placing their trust in Gondhal and honouring it as India's Official Entry for the 99th Academy Awards-The Oscars 2027.'

They credited the achievement to the cast and crew of 'Gondhal'.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdbLDXyhkg1/

The movie is set against the cultural backdrop of rural Maharashtra and explores the collision between ritual tradition, personal ambition and human vulnerability. 

'Gondhal' was released theatrically on November 14, 2025. (ANI)