CM Fadnavis Hails 'Gondhal' Selection as Milestone for Marathi Cinema

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on his official X handle that the Marathi film *Gondhal* will be India’s entry for the 2027 Oscars, describing the news as a landmark moment for the state’s film industry.

The Federation of India’s selection panel shortlisted 33 films before naming *Gondhal* as the representative for the Best International Feature Film category. The decision highlights the film’s artistic merit and its deep roots in the Gondhal folk tradition—a nocturnal celebration of music, dance, and myth.

Starring Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nisha Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu, the movie captures the vibrancy of rural Maharashtra while delivering a universal story of community and resilience. The CM’s statement emphasized that the film will showcase the state’s cultural richness to an international audience.

Other notable contenders that year included *Main Wapas Aunga*, *Border 2*, *Dhuranadhar*, and *120 Bahadur*. *Gondhal*’s selection signals a growing acknowledgment of regional cinema’s capacity to compete on the world stage.