Which film is India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards?

On September 18, 2026, the Film Federation of India selected the Marathi film 'Gondhal', directed by Santosh Davkhar, as India's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards; it will represent India in the 'Best International Feature Film' category. The film blends Maharashtra's traditional 'Gondhal' folk and religious performance art with a modern narrative; it features actors such as Kishore Kadam and Ishita Deshmukh, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.