The global trailer for the Marathi thriller Gondhal has officially dropped, offering audiences an intense look at a story deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Maharashtra. As India’s official entry for the upcoming Oscars, the film promises a mysterious narrative where duty, devotion, and desire collide. The plot unfolds over the course of a single night during a Gondhal, a traditional folk ritual characterized by song, dance, and theatrical storytelling, which serves as the backdrop for a newlywed couple caught in a series of unsettling events.
Ishita Deshmukh stars as Suman, a young wife struggling within the confines of a suffocating marriage. According to the official synopsis, Suman attempts to reclaim her agency by manipulating the fixation her lover, Sarjerao—played by Nishad Bhoir—has developed for her. As her personal desires clash with rigid codes of honor and custom, the night spirals toward a tragic conclusion. The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni, and Anuj Prabhu, with the legendary Ilaiyaraaja providing the haunting musical score.
Director Santosh Davakhar, who produced the project under Davakhar Films, emphasized that the movie aims to showcase India beyond the common global narratives of poverty and caste conflict. He noted that he wanted to present the country’s extraordinary cultural wealth and collective memory through a universally accessible cinematic language. Reflecting on the film’s prestigious selection as India’s official Oscar entry, Davakhar expressed that the team had been preparing for this moment for over a year. He described the recognition as a great blessing and a significant responsibility, noting that the crew remained confident in the strength of their storytelling from the very beginning.