Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal is set for a pan-India theatrical release on November 13, 2026, following its selection as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The announcement has brought renewed attention to a film rooted in the folk traditions and ritual practices of Maharashtra.
Written, directed and produced by Santosh Davakhar under the Davakhar Films banner, Gondhal is scheduled to release in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Its multilingual rollout is intended to take the story beyond its original language audience while retaining its cultural setting.
A thriller built around a folk ritual
The film draws on the Gondhal ritual, a traditional form of devotional performance in Maharashtra that combines music, storytelling and ritual elements. Within the film’s dramatic setting, the ritual provides atmosphere and cultural context for a story involving village life, a troubled relationship and secrets that unfold over the course of a tense night.
Coverage of the film describes it as a psychological thriller and murder-mystery narrative. The cast includes Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and other performers. Its rural setting and use of folk traditions offer a different approach from many contemporary mainstream thrillers, although the film’s cinematic story should not be mistaken for a documentary account of the ritual itself.
Why the Oscar selection matters
The Film Federation of India announced the selection on September 18, 2026, according to published reports. Being chosen as India’s official submission puts the film into consideration for the Academy’s international feature category, but it does not mean it has already been nominated for an Oscar. The Academy’s own selection process determines which entries progress to the shortlist and final nominations.
The recognition has helped introduce the film to a wider audience and given distributors a reason to plan a new theatrical push. Indian films selected for international awards campaigns often use festival screenings, media coverage and community engagement to build awareness beyond their home markets.
Six-language release and audience reach
Releasing in six Indian languages is a significant distribution step for a Marathi film. It may broaden access for viewers who would not otherwise watch a subtitled or dubbed regional-language title, while also creating new expectations around how the story and local cultural details are presented to different audiences.
Actual release schedules can vary by territory, cinema chain and language version. Viewers should check official listings as November 13 approaches for confirmed showtimes and availability in their city.
What to watch next
Attention will now turn to further promotional material, ticket availability and the film’s reception outside Maharashtra. The Oscar campaign will proceed on a separate track from its commercial performance, and both will depend on different audiences and measures of success.
Bottom line: Gondhal is scheduled for a six-language pan-India release on November 13 after being selected as India’s official Oscar entry. It represents an opportunity for a Marathi story rooted in regional folk traditions to reach a much broader audience.
Sources: Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal, October 2026.
