Gondhal Announces Exclusive Preview Screenings
Gondhal, India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, will begin exclusive preview screenings from October 9 across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The Marathi psychological thriller, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, will be presented in Marathi and Hindi during these special screenings before its wider multilingual theatrical release.
The previews will give audiences an opportunity to experience the film on the big screen before its larger international rollout. The film has attracted attention following its selection as India’s official submission for the Academy Awards and its festival journey.
A Psychological Thriller Rooted in Maharashtra’s Folk Tradition
Gondhal draws its central cultural inspiration from Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal ritual, a folk performance involving devotional storytelling, music, percussion and dance. Traditionally performed through the night, the ritual forms the cultural foundation for the film’s atmospheric storytelling.
Davakhar combines this traditional setting with psychological drama, exploring human emotions, desire and hidden tensions. The film attempts to bring a distinctly Maharashtrian cultural world into a genre that can connect with audiences beyond its regional setting.
Speaking about the previews, Davakhar said they represent an opportunity to return the film to audiences through the theatrical experience. He also expressed hope that viewers would experience the story, culture and psychological journey without preconceived expectations.
Gondhal’s Festival Recognition
The film features Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam and Yogesh Sohoni in key roles. Its story combines the cultural landscape of rural Maharashtra with psychological and human themes.
Gondhal has also received recognition during its festival journey. The film’s makers and cast were honoured by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the International Film Festival of India, while the film received the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival.
Wider Multilingual Release Planned
Following the exclusive previews, Gondhal is scheduled for a wider worldwide theatrical release in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.
The multilingual release will take the Maharashtra-rooted story to audiences across different linguistic markets in India and overseas. The film had originally released in Indian theatres on November 14, 2025, before its selection as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.
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