The Indian Film and Television Directors Association has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking full government backing for the Oscar campaign of Gondhal, India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. The Marathi film, directed by Santosh Davakhar, was picked from 33 submissions by the Film Federation of India on September 18. IFTDA’s letter, sent on Saturday, asks the state to cover costs tied to international publicity, screenings, travel, and networking. The director has already hired a US-based PR team and a Finland social media agency, but the association warns that without state support, the campaign could fall short.
What IFTDA Said in Its Letter to Fadnavis
IFTDA’s letter opens by recognising the selection as a major achievement for Marathi cinema and Maharashtra. It then turns to the practical side of an Oscar run. The association points out that getting selected is only the first step and that the months ahead involve a heavy load of international outreach.
The Oscar campaign involves an extensive process of international publicity, promotions, screenings, networking, meetings and other PR activities, all of which require substantial financial resources.
The letter also flags a pattern that has hurt regional films in the past. Small-budget films earn national and international praise but then struggle to keep their campaigns alive because of a lack of funds. IFTDA argues that an Oscar campaign is a major financial exercise and that even a deserving film can fail to reach international voters without enough backing.
Therefore, we humbly appeal to the Government of Maharashtra to step forward and extend comprehensive financial and institutional support to the producer, makers and team of Gondal for the entire Oscar campaign process.
The association suggests the state could take on costs for international publicity, screenings, PR, travel, and networking. This, IFTDA says, would stop the filmmakers from having to cut back on their efforts because of money limits.
Gondhal’s Oscar Selection and What Comes Next
Gondhal was announced as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category on September 18. The Film Federation of India chose it from a pool of 33 films, beating titles like Dhurandhar, Border 2, and Hanuman Ansh.
The film is the fourth Marathi movie to represent India at the Oscars, following Shwaas (2005), Harishchandrachi Factory (2009), and Court (2015). The 99th Academy Awards are set for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Before that, the Academy will announce a 15-film shortlist in December, followed by nominations voting in January 2027.
Director Santosh Davakhar has said his team was already preparing for the campaign before the official announcement. They have hired a Los Angeles-based PR team with experience working on around 27 nominations over 20 years, plus a Finland-based social media team. Davakhar noted that getting to the Oscars is a big task and reaching the final stage would be an even bigger achievement.
Why the Campaign Needs State Money
Oscar campaigns are expensive. They involve flying the team to Los Angeles, holding screenings for Academy voters, running ads in trade publications, and organising events. For a small Marathi film that grossed around Rs 90 lakh at the box office, these costs are hard to cover without help.
IFTDA’s letter makes this point directly. The association says it has seen regional films get remarkable recognition but then face limits because they lack the funds to carry their campaign forward on the global stage. The government, IFTDA argues, could take responsibility for these expenses and ensure the filmmakers do not have to compromise on their efforts.
The appeal is not just about money. IFTDA is also asking for institutional support, which could mean help with logistics, connections, and official backing that adds weight to the campaign. For a film competing against entries from across the world, that kind of support can make a real difference.
CM Fadnavis Calls It a Moment of Pride
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already welcomed the film’s selection. In a post on X, he called it a “moment of pride for Marathi Cinema” and highlighted the film’s link to Maharashtra’s folk traditions.
Director Santosh Davakhar’s Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2027. The selection committee of the Film Federation of India chose Gondhal from among 33 films, and this film, which connects with the rich folk traditions and culture of Maharashtra, will now represent India on the international stage.
He also extended his wishes to the cast and crew, saying, “May this story rooted in the soil of Maharashtra reach new heights on the global level—our warmest wishes!” The CMO’s official handle also shared the message, calling it a proud moment for Marathi cinema.
The Film Behind the Campaign
Gondhal is set in rural Maharashtra and unfolds over a single night during the traditional Gondhal ritual, a folk performance that blends music, dance, and mythology. The story follows Suman, a young bride trapped in an unhappy marriage, who uses her lover’s obsession to turn the sacred ritual into a deadly plan.
The cast includes Ishita Deshmukh as Suman, Yogesh Sohoni as her husband Anand, Nishad Bhoir as Sarjerao, Anuj Prabhu as Sahebrao, and veteran actor Kishor Kadam as Bhivaba. The music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja, the legendary 83-year-old composer who has scored over 1,000 films in nine languages. This is the first time a film featuring his music has been selected as India’s Oscar entry.
Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025 for Gondhal. The film was released theatrically in Maharashtra on November 14, 2025, and is reportedly set for a re-release in India and overseas following the Oscar selection.
Related:
What Support Could Look Like
IFTDA’s request is specific. The government could cover expenses for international publicity, screenings, PR, travel, and networking. This would let the team focus on the campaign without worrying about funds. The association’s letter also implies that state backing would send a message that Maharashtra stands behind its filmmakers when they reach the global stage.
The director has already shown he is serious about the campaign. With a US PR team and a social media agency on board, the groundwork is in place. What IFTDA is asking for is the financial and institutional push that could turn a strong campaign into a real shot at a nomination.
The ball is now in the Maharashtra government’s court. The chief minister has praised the film publicly. IFTDA’s letter asks him to back that praise with action.
Also Read: Gondhal Marathi Film Is India’s Official Oscars 2027 Entry: Ritual, Cast, Release Info and More
For more updates on India’s Oscar journey and the latest from the world of entertainment, keep reading VvipTimes.
Leave a Reply