The global trailer of Gondhal, the Marathi psychological thriller directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been unveiled ahead of its worldwide release on November 13, 2026. The film, India's official submission for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, brings Maharashtra's cultural traditions to the international screen through a story blending suspense, relationships and spiritual devotion.
The trailer, released on October 27, offers a glimpse into an atmospheric narrative where regional heritage meets psychological tension. With a simultaneous release planned in seven languages, Gondhal aims to introduce audiences across the world to a distinctive aspect of Indian culture.
Gondhal Explores Love, Duty and Spiritual Belief
Set against the cultural landscape of Maharashtra, Gondhal follows Suman and Anandrao, a newlywed couple whose peaceful life begins to unravel as personal desires, family responsibilities and spiritual devotion come into conflict.
What begins with a bride's quiet longing and a husband's obligations to his family gradually develops into a disturbing sequence of unexplained events. As the couple confronts unsettling circumstances, the boundaries between reality and appearances become increasingly uncertain.
Through its psychological thriller format, the film explores the tensions between individual aspirations, social expectations and deeply rooted cultural beliefs.
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Santosh Davakhar on Taking Maharashtra's Traditions to a Global Audience
Writer-director Santosh Davakhar said the film was conceived to present Indian cinema through a culturally authentic perspective that extends beyond the narratives commonly associated with the country.
He noted that international perceptions of Indian cinema are often shaped by stories about poverty and caste conflict. While acknowledging the importance of these subjects, Davakhar said they do not represent the entirety of India's cultural identity.
He described Gondhal as a coming together of generations, people and traditions, highlighting his intention to bring a powerful cultural practice to audiences around the world.
Davakhar also expressed happiness at the opportunity to introduce this tradition to international viewers. He said global film festivals and the Academy Awards provide filmmakers with a platform to share the cultural roots of their communities across geographical boundaries.
According to the director, the film seeks to present India in an authentic way through a cinematic language that connects local traditions with universal human experiences.
Gondhal's Oscar Campaign Gains Momentum
The film's international journey continues with its selection as India's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards. The makers have also submitted the project for consideration in multiple general categories.
Davakhar previously received the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). During the festival, jury members described Gondhal as being like a Shakespearean fable set in the real world.
The recognition has added to the film's international profile as it prepares for its multi-language theatrical release.
Seven-Language Release to Reach Global Audiences
In a significant development for Marathi cinema, Gondhal is scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide release in seven languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and English.
The release is intended to make the film accessible to audiences across different linguistic and cultural backgrounds while retaining its connection to Maharashtra's traditions.
The film is scheduled to premiere on November 13, 2026, across theatres in India and international markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Dubai and Africa.
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Gondhal Cast and Production Details
The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohani and Nishad Bhoir in key roles.
Santosh Davakhar produced the project alongside co-founder Diksha Davakhar under the banner of Davakhar Films.
With its combination of psychological suspense, cultural storytelling and a wide-ranging release strategy, Gondhal is preparing to bring a Marathi-language story to a global audience.
As the November 13 release approaches, the film's newly unveiled trailer offers an early look at its exploration of tradition, relationships and the unsettling events that challenge its central characters.