'Gondhal' To The Oscars: Makers Open Up On The Film That's Carrying India's Oscar Hopes

India's official entry to the Oscars 2027, 'Gondhal', is now carrying the hopes of Indian cinema on the global stage. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, director Santosh Davakhar and the cast of the acclaimed Marathi film reflect on the journey from a regional production to becoming India's chosen representative in the race for the Academy Awards. The team discusses what makes Gondhal special, how the film emerged ahead of strong competition, and why its story has connected so deeply with audiences and critics alike. They also speak about the contribution of legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja, the film's visual storytelling and their hopes for taking Marathi cinema to a global audience.