Maharashtra CM Welcomes 'Gondhal' Team Ahead of Oscars
The Marathi film 'Gondhal' meets with CM Devendra Fadnavis as it prepares for the 99th Academy Awards.
The film 'Gondhal' is India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.
The meeting included key figures from the film industry, highlighting cultural pride.
The film has received accolades at international festivals and is set for a global release.
On September 29, 2023, the cast and crew of the Marathi film 'Gondhal' met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. This meeting was significant as the film is India's official submission for the upcoming 99th Academy Awards, and it showcased the team's journey in bringing a Marathi narrative to the global stage.
The gathering was organized by Ashoke Pandit, the President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), and led by Ameet Satam, President of BJP Mumbai. Key attendees included writer-director-producer Santosh Davakhar, producer Diksha Davakhar, and actors Kishore Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, and Yogesh Sohoni. Other notable figures present were Ashok Dubey, General Secretary of FWICE, along with IFTDA members Nishant Ujwal and Swapna Waghmare Joshi.
Directed by Santosh Davakhar, 'Gondhal' is a psychological thriller inspired by a traditional Maharashtrian ritual. The narrative unfolds over a single night, delving into themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. The film is a reflection of Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage and aims to resonate with audiences worldwide.
During the meeting, Davakhar expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Chief Minister, emphasizing the pride associated with representing India at the Academy Awards. He stated, "This recognition strengthens our belief that stories rooted in our culture can resonate across the world. We hope 'Gondhal' continues to carry the spirit of Maharashtra and Indian cinema to audiences across the globe."
In addition to its Oscar nomination, 'Gondhal' has garnered accolades at various film festivals, including the Silver Peacock Award for Best Director for Davakhar at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release in multiple languages, including Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, aiming to reach a diverse audience beyond the Marathi-speaking community.
