In a proud milestone for regional storytelling, the Marathi feature film Gondhal has been officially selected to represent India in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, commonly known as Oscars 2027. Following widespread acclaim at the prestigious Cannes circuit, the movie has now entered the global Oscar campaign. Celebrated filmmaker Subhash Ghai took to social media to celebrate the achievement, sharing his heartfelt congratulations with the cast and crew while hailing the moment as a remarkable triumph for Indian cinema.
Whistling Woods Alumna Ishita Deshmukh Shines on the Global Stage
The achievement carries special resonance for the film's lead star, Ishita Deshmukh. Taking to his official Instagram handle, Subhash Ghai shared the poster of Gondhal and revealed that Deshmukh honed her foundational craft at his film training institute, Whistling Woods International, prior to entering the entertainment industry. Ghai expressed immense pride in seeing an alumna of the Whistling Woods Actor Studio headline a project that has earned the honour of representing the entire country on cinema's most prestigious international platform.
From National Television Drama to International Spotlight
Before making her mark on the big screen with this globally recognized performance, Ishita Deshmukh demonstrated her commitment across long-format storytelling. She previously headlined 208 episodes of the television drama Janki on Doordarshan, a project produced under the Mukta Arts Films banner. Her artistic dedication also earned her the Best Debut trophy at the Filmfare Awards earlier this year. That extensive experience served as the foundation for her evocative, layered portrayal in Gondhal, which has drawn widespread acclaim from critics and industry veterans alike.
A Gritty Rural Mystery Rooted in Folk Tradition
Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal features a versatile ensemble cast led by Ishita Deshmukh alongside Yogesh Sohoni, Kishore Kadam, Suresh Vishwakarma, and Nishad Bhoir. The narrative unfolds against the evocative backdrop of rural Maharashtra, centering entirely on an overnight staging of the customary folk ritual known as Gondhal. As the sacred performance progresses through the darkness, it gradually peels back complex layers of betrayal, marital and familial discord, and a sinister murder plot gripping the community.
Subhash Ghai Urges Audiences Not to Miss the Cinematic Work
Highlighting the creative vision behind the production, Subhash Ghai offered high praise to director-writer Santosh Davakhar and lead performer Ishita Deshmukh for their extraordinary work. He emphasized that the film's emotional intensity and atmospheric depth make it an essential watch for cinephiles across the country. Ghai extended his best wishes to the entire team for their Oscar campaign, noting that compelling regional narratives rooted in cultural authenticity continue to command respect on the global stage.
