Gondhal: Maharashtra’s Ancient Ritual That Powers India’s 2027 Oscar Entry

If you ever wander through a Maharashtrian village after dusk, you might hear a low thrum of drums, see flickering lamps and feel a palpable buzz in the air. That, dear reader, is Gondhal – a ritual that’s as much about community as it is about devotion.

At its core, Gondhal is a night‑long performance where hereditary singers called Gondhalis weave together devotional chants, vigorous dance steps and age‑old stories about deities. The music is driven by traditional drums, a metal instrument called the tuntune, and the occasional clang of cymbals, all underscored by the warm glow of a torch or oil lamp.

Historically, families call on Gondhal to bless major events – weddings, harvests, even moments of crisis. The belief is that the rhythmic noise and firelight chase away negative energies, inviting the goddess’s protection and a fresh surge of positive vibes.

Fast forward to today, and this folk art has found a new audience beyond the fields of Maharashtra. Santosh Davakhar, a filmmaker who grew up watching Gondhal gatherings, decided to let the ritual take centre stage in his Marathi film titled “Gondhal.” The movie, set in a remote village, uses the night‑long celebration as both setting and catalyst for a tale of desire, deception and destiny.

When the Film Federation of India reviewed 33 submissions for the 99th Academy Awards, “Gondhal” emerged as the pick for the Best International Feature Film category. In other words, this very tradition that once echoed only in local courtyards is now representing the entire nation at the 2027 Oscars.

The film doesn’t treat Gondhal as a backdrop; it lets the ritual breathe life into every scene. The clatter of drums underscores tense moments, while the lyrical verses echo the characters’ inner turmoil. Viewers abroad, many of whom have never heard of Maharashtrian folk customs, get a vivid, sensory introduction to a living cultural practice.

Beyond the glitz of award ceremonies, the real triumph is the spotlight on a tradition that has survived generations through oral transmission. Gondhalis, often from families that have kept the art alive for centuries, see their craft traveling across oceans, thanks to a film that stayed true to its roots.

Whether “Gondhal” clinches an Oscar or not, the ripple effect is already clear: curiosity about Maharashtra’s night‑time rituals is spiking, streaming platforms are adding the film to their catalogs, and younger Gondhalis feel a renewed pride in their heritage. It’s a reminder that ancient customs can still speak loudly on the world stage, especially when a storyteller chooses to listen.