Mumbai, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar believes the international approach of his film ‘Gondhal’ played an important role in its selection as India’s official entry for the Oscars, amid competition from 33 films, including Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Davakhar was asked what he believed made ‘Gondhal’ stand out among the films in contention.
Acknowledging the quality of the other entries, the filmmaker said, “Dhurandhar 1, Dhurandhar 2, Dhurandhar: The Revenge and other films are good. Main Wapas Aunga, Hug, these are really good films, but at the international level, the approach of the film is completely different, and if you want to compete there, your film should be made with that approach.”
Davakhar also acknowledged the popularity of ‘Dhurandhar’, saying the film had connected strongly with audiences.
“When we were kids, we grew up watching these films. And this year, there is a film like Dhurandhar, which has made a place in people’s hearts. And there were many other films which were in the competition,” he said.
Rather than viewing the Oscar selection as one film defeating another, Davakhar said he considered ‘Gondhal’ to be representing all the films that were part of the selection process.
“So, I would like to say that Gondhal is representing all of them,” he said.
Discussing the film’s style, Davakhar said its rawness and simplicity were among its key strengths.
“The movie is very raw and that is its quality. Simplicity is its quality and that is why it is feeling like the most impressive thriller film,” he said.
Davakhar had earlier told IANS that his experiences at international film festivals had made him conscious of the perception that Indian cinema is often associated with subjects such as poverty and casteism. This further encouraged him to explore another side of India through ‘Gondhal’.
The film blends mystery and thriller elements with Indian rituals and cultural traditions.
‘Gondhal’ stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, Anuj Prabhu, Suresh Vishwakarma and Vitthal Kale.
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