Marathi-language thriller “Gondhal”, India’s frontrunner for the international feature Oscar at the 99th Academy Awards, has released its global trailer as it moves into a new phase at the awards show.
The film is the feature debut of writer-director Santosh Davakhar. It was selected from 33 films in contention for India’s entry.
The story plays out over a single night in rural Maharashtra during Gondhal, a folk ritual in which devotion is expressed through song, dance and theatrical storytelling. Ishita Deshmukh plays Suman, a young wife stuck in a suffocating marriage. She tries to take back control by playing on the obsession that her lover Sarjerao (Nishad Bhoir) has developed for her. The night ends in tragedy as their desires clash with the rules of honor and tradition.
Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and Anuj Prabhu also star. Amalendu Chaudhary shot the film, which opens with an uninterrupted shot lasting 25 minutes. Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja wrote the music and background music.
“Global perceptions of Indian cinema are often shaped by narratives of poverty and caste conflict; these are important realities, but not the full expression of India,” Davakhar said. “India is also a civilization with extraordinary cultural richness, underpinned by traditions, music and collective memory. I created this film to bring such a powerful tradition to the global screen through a culturally distinctive and universal cinematic language.”
Davakhar won the Silver Peacock award for best director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Jury members at the festival described the film as “like a Shakespeare tale set in the real world”.
Davakhar produced the film along with Diksha Davakhar, co-founder of production company Davakhar Films. The company promotes regional stories and aims for high-level craft in camera work, sound, music and acting.
Watch the trailer here: