As it sank in that his film, Gondhal, was India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, Santosh Davakhar became aware of “the huge responsibility”. He had been informed that the declaration would happen on September 18 or 19 and had been searching on Google from the afternoon when people started calling him about the honour.The Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Friday that the Marathi film Gondhal was chosen as India’s official entry to the 2027 Oscars.“India and FFI have shown their faith in our team and our product. I am feeling very nervous but we are ready for the campaign. We have already hired most of the media and PR team in Los Angeles,” said Davakhar, who is based in Sinnar, Nashik.Gondhal is a Marathi thriller that unfolds around the traditional Gondhal ritual and folk-performance tradition of Maharashtra. It won the award for the Best Director and Best Cinematographer at the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) in 2026. Davakhar also won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2025.“After the IFFI award, I became very confident about the film. When I visited international film festivals, I had the impression that Indian films revolve around poverty and marginalisation. These are important issues but I also feel that India has a rich heritage and culture and we must represent this in our cinema,” he said.Also Read – Marathi movie Gondhal is India’s official entry for Oscars 2027Santosh Davakhar is a project consultant by profession. A social activist, he started his career as a professor. His CV includes a screenplay writing short course from the Film Television Institute of India. Davakhar’s previous short movie, Adnyat, revolves around class distinctions in the world and won several prizes internationally. Among his other works is directing a government ad film for a cashless economy.Story continues below this adDavakhar is already working on his next film, about Shahaji Raje, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “His life was full of struggle. That’s why I want to represent it,” he said.Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read MoreClick here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.Tags:oscarOscars