Marathi cinema is preparing for a wider international audience as ‘Gondhal’, India’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards, gears up for a worldwide theatrical release in seven languages on 13 November.
According to Bollywood Hungama, directed by Santosh Davakhar, the psychological thriller has unveiled its global trailer, offering a glimpse into a disturbing story where devotion, desire and marital responsibilities collide.
The film draws on Maharashtra’s cultural traditions and follows newlyweds Suman and Anandrao as mysterious events begin to unsettle their lives.
The film will release in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and English. According to the makers, its global rollout will cover India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Dubai and Africa.
They have described the release as the first time a Marathi film has received a seven-language global theatrical rollout.
Speaking about the film’s international reach, Davakhar said he wanted to introduce audiences to an aspect of Indian culture that receives less attention on the global stage.
He believes regional stories can help international audiences experience India’s cultural diversity beyond familiar narratives.
‘Gondhal’ has been selected as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The makers have also submitted it for consideration in other categories, although they have not disclosed further details.
Davakhar previously won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India. The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohani and Nishad Bhoir.
Santosh and Diksha Davakhar produced it under the banner of Davakhar Films, with Amalendu Chaudhary handling cinematography.
The makers have also highlighted the film’s opening sequence, which features a continuous 25-minute take. ‘Gondhal’ is scheduled to reach cinemas worldwide on 13 November 2026.
