Mumbai, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker Santosh Davakhar, whose Marathi film Gondhal has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars, has responded to Anurag Kashyap’s remarks questioning India’s selection of films for major international awards.
Davakhar recalled meeting Kashyap on a Bengaluru-Mumbai flight on April 26, where he introduced him to Gondhal. According to Davakhar, Kashyap said he had neither heard of nor watched the film but assured him that he would see it.
In a social media post, Davakhar wrote, “I deeply respect Anurag Kashyap Sir and his filmmaking. On the Bengaluru-Mumbai flight on 26 April at 23:55, I introduced GONDHAL to him. He said he hadn’t heard of or watched it but would definitely do so.”
Davakhar further claimed that the film has not been publicly screened or made available in Mumbai since then. He urged audiences and critics to watch the film before forming an opinion.
Calling Gondhal a psychological thriller that blends Marathi culture with global appeal, Davakhar said the film was made for theatrical viewing and that he understands the responsibility of representing India on an international platform.
His remarks came after Kashyap recently criticised India’s Oscar selections, saying the country often “selects absolutely wrong films” for major international awards. Kashyap cited The Lunchbox and All We Imagine As Light as films he believed could have been stronger selections.
Kashyap also suggested that films seeking Oscar recognition should first gain visibility at international film festivals outside India or secure American distribution. Referring specifically to Gondhal, he advised that the film should first seek exposure across international festivals.
Davakhar, meanwhile, appealed to audiences to watch Gondhal when it returns to theatres and judge the film on its own merits.
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