‘Gondhal’ exclusive previews from October 9; Santosh Davakhar’s film to release in six languages after Oscar entry

Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi psychological thriller ‘Gondhal’, which has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, is set to have exclusive preview screenings from October 9. The film will screen in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru ahead of its wider worldwide theatrical release.The previews will begin on October 9 across four theatres each in Mumbai and Pune, followed by screenings in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. The special screenings will be presented in Marathi and Hindi, giving audiences an opportunity to watch the film ahead of its multilingual theatrical release.Written and directed by Davakhar, ‘Gondhal’ is set against the backdrop of Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal folk performance, a ritual that combines devotional storytelling, music, percussion and dance. The film explores this cultural form through the lens of a psychological thriller, bringing together themes of tradition, desire, human emotions and hidden tensions.The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam and Yogesh Sohoni in key roles. It combines elements rooted in rural Maharashtra with themes that extend beyond its regional setting.‘Gondhal’ has also travelled through the festival circuit. Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), while the film won the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The cast and makers were also recently honoured by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis. The film’s selection as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards has further brought it into the spotlight.Speaking about the exclusive previews, Santosh Davakhar said, “For us, these previews are more than just early screenings; they are an opportunity to bring Gondhal back to audiences for whom the theatrical experience was always at the heart of the film. This is a story born from Maharashtra’s cultural soil, and we have always believed that its atmosphere, sound and visual world should be experienced collectively in a theatre. After the honour of representing India at the Oscars, it feels especially meaningful to open the doors of the film to audiences and let them experience Gondhal for themselves. I hope viewers enter the theatre without preconceived notions and allow the story, the culture and its psychological journey to speak for themselves.”After the preview screenings, ‘Gondhal’ will release worldwide in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!