Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Gondhal director Santosh Davakar spoke exclusively to India Today about his Marathi film, which has been selected as India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards. Set against the backdrop of Maharashtra’s traditional Gondhal folk ritual, the film explores faith, culture and social realities through a distinctly regional lens.
The film’s selection marks a significant international moment for Marathi cinema, with Gondhal emerging as India’s choice from a field of 33 films submitted for consideration. In his conversation, Davakar opened up about the inspiration behind the film, the significance of Gondhal as a cultural tradition, and what its Oscar journey means for Marathi cinema.
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Q. Gondhal being selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars is a huge honour. There were 33 films in contention, including Dhurandhar. How does it feel to have Gondhal officially represent India?
Santosh: I’m feeling really proud. We had already started our Oscar campaign. By any means, we were convinced that we would take our film to the Oscars this year. So, this is really great news. We are extremely thankful to the Government of India, the Federation of India and the FFI jury for selecting Gondhal as India’s official entry. It’s a very proud feeling for the entire team.
We have had some previous experience with international audiences. In 2016, I had the opportunity to take a film to an international platform, Cannes, and I understood how international audiences perceive India.
There is a certain perception of India internationally, especially around issues like poverty and casteism. Personally, I feel that we have a really rich culture. India is a diverse country. We have a rich culture and heritage, and we should represent India through good cinema. That is why I decided to make a film around Gondhal.
Q. How did you get to know about the decision? How were you informed that Gondhal had been selected as India’s official entry?
Santosh: I got to know from the media. We had already started preparing for Los Angeles. We have hired a PR team in Los Angeles because they have very good experience. They have already worked on around 27 nominations over the previous 20 years. We have also hired a Finland-based team for social media, so we are already working on the campaign.
We understand the responsibility that comes with representing India. Our entire team will put in all our efforts to take the film to the Oscars. Getting there is a big task, and reaching the final stage would be an even bigger achievement. We are fully prepared for it.
Q. When do you plan to start the promotions for the Oscar campaign in full swing?
Santosh: From next month. We are starting next month.
Q. What does it mean for you personally to see a Marathi film reach an international platform like the Oscars?
Santosh: For us, this is a big opportunity. Taking our cinema and our culture to an international level is a very proud feeling. It is like going to the Olympics. We are really excited and very thankful to the Government of India.
Q. Finally, what are you hoping for from the Oscar journey?
Santosh: We are really excited and hopeful. We will give it everything as a team and take the film to the international level. We are really thankful to the Government of India.
The 33 films that were in contention for India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards included Main Vaapas Aaunga, Border 2 and the Dhurandhar film series. The others on the list included Dug Dug, Haq, Bhamardo, 120 Bahadur, Sing Geetham, Tera Mera Nata, Ladoo, Ohh My Dog, Gondhal, Balan The Boy, Deool Band 2, Tighi, Peddi, Irumudi, Dorothy, Khoonta, Gandhi Talks, Bison Kalaamadan, Shape of Momo, Governer, 2020 Delhi, Commando Vin Love Story, Ikkis, Pravas, Man Aatale Manaatle, Obsess, Egwa, Angh and Hanuman Ansh.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
