The Oscar team asked for Gondhal’s cue sheet, Ilaiyaraaja told director, ‘You figure it out’
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Gayatri Nirmal
Director Santosh Davakhar is campaigning for his Oscar-bound Marathi thriller 'Gondhal', featuring a score by maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The film, which explores themes of greed and deception, has seen a pan-India re-release as it prepares for the 99th Academy Awards.
The Journey of 'Gondhal': From Local Rituals to the Global Stage
Director Santosh Davakhar’s debut feature, the Marathi-language thriller Gondhal, has emerged as a significant cultural milestone by being selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. Rooted in the deep traditions of the Nashik region, the film draws its narrative and thematic essence from the eponymous all-night ritual. By transforming his own childhood memories of witnessing Gondhal performances—traditionally held to invoke deities like Goddess Bhavani and King Khandoba—into a dark psychological thriller, Davakhar has successfully bridged the gap between regional folk art and global cinematic storytelling.
The Creative Collaboration: Working with Ilaiyaraaja
A pivotal element of the film’s identity is its musical score, composed by the legendary maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The collaboration highlights the director's commitment to authenticity, as he sought a soundscape that could elevate the film's exploration of desire, deception, and greed. Anecdotes from the production reveal the rigorous demands of the Oscar process, with the Academy requesting precise cue sheets for the film’s music. When faced with these technical requirements, Ilaiyaraaja’s characteristic response to Davakhar—a blunt "You figure it out"—underscores the unique, often challenging, nature of working with a musical genius who prioritizes the emotional integrity of the sound over administrative logistics.
Strategic Pan-India Re-release
Following its original 2025 release, Gondhal was strategically re-released across India in multiple languages on November 13, 2026. This move aligns with the film's Oscar campaign, ensuring that as the team conducts special screenings in the United States, the film maintains a robust domestic presence. By expanding the film's reach to a pan-India audience, the producers are not only capitalizing on the prestige of the Oscar nomination but also ensuring that the cultural nuances of the Gondhal ritual are accessible to a broader demographic beyond Maharashtra.
Navigating the Oscar Campaign
The road to the Academy Awards is notoriously complex, and the team behind Gondhal, including cast members Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, and Nishad Bhoir, has been vocal about the blend of pride and anxiety that accompanies such a nomination. Representing India on the world stage brings a unique pressure to ensure every technical detail is perfected. The current campaign, which involves intensive screenings in the US, reflects the rigorous preparation required to compete in the Best International Feature Film category.
Broader Implications and Future Trends
Gondhal represents a growing trend in Indian cinema where regional stories, deeply embedded in local folklore, are finding global resonance. By positioning a film centered on a traditional religious ritual within a dark thriller framework, Davakhar is testing the appetite of international audiences for culturally specific narratives. Moreover, the director’s supportive stance toward other Indian contenders, such as those racing for the Oscar, indicates a collective effort to elevate the profile of Indian cinema globally. As the film continues its journey, it serves as a case study for how debut directors can leverage traditional cultural assets to achieve international recognition.
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