Marathi film Gondhal, India's Oscar entry, to get overseas release through Hombale Films
Hombale Films has taken on international distribution of Santosh Davakhar's Marathi film, India's official entry for the Oscars 2027.
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Good news has come for the Marathi film industry. Director Santosh Davakhar's Marathi film Gondhal will now be screened in cinemas abroad as well. Hombale Films has taken charge of the film's international distribution.
Hombale Films is the company best known for films such as KGF, Kantara and Salaar. With the company on board, the Marathi film will get a chance to reach audiences around the world. Gondhal has already been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars 2027.
Gondhal is a thriller set against the Marathi folk tradition and the cultural world of rural Maharashtra. Davakhar has written and directed it. Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir play key roles. The music is by veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of traditional night-time rituals in rural Maharashtra. Themes of faith, human ambition, power and betrayal run through it together. The film has drawn audience attention for its authentic cultural setting and its mystery-laden story.
It has been reported that the film has been chosen as India's official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, the Oscars 2027. The film is also said to have won the Best Director award at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). These achievements have taken the buzz around Gondhal beyond Marathi cinema to the international level.
Hombale Films announced the international distribution on social media by sharing the film's poster. The company said Gondhal's journey, from an award-winning Marathi film to India's official Oscar entry, is a matter of pride. It also said it was happy to bring this powerful story to audiences around the world.
Hombale Films has built a distinct identity in Indian cinema through the KGF franchise, Kantara, the Salaar franchise and Mahavatar Narsimha. It is therefore believed that Gondhal will get a fresh opportunity in the international market.
The film, which showcases the Marathi language, folk tradition and rural culture, will now be presented to audiences worldwide. The official Oscar entry and Hombale Films' distribution have both raised curiosity about the film. Release dates and the list of countries abroad are yet to be announced. Hopes have also grown that Gondhal's journey will give Marathi films a big international platform.
