Gondhal
2025 Indian thriller film by Santosh Davakhar
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Gondhal (Ritual chaos) is a 2025 Indian Marathi-language thriller film written and directed by Santosh Davakhar.[2][3] The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, Suresh Vishwakarma, Anuj Prabhu, Vitthal Kale in main roles.[4]
| Gondhal | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Santosh Davakhar |
| Written by | Santosh Davakhar |
| Screenplay by | Santosh Davakhar |
| Story by | Santosh Davakhar |
| Produced by | Santosh Davakhar Diksha Davakhar |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Amalendu Chaudhary |
| Edited by | Ashish Mhatre |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja[1] |
Production company | Davakhar Films |
| Distributed by | AA Films & Custard Apple Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Marathi |
Gondhal was nominated for the Golden Peacock Award at the 56th International Film Festival of India[5] and Santosh Davakhar won Best Director Award in Silver Peacock category.[6][7]
Plot
Set against the vibrant yet volatile cultural backdrop of rural Maharashtra, Gondhal explores the collision between ritual tradition, personal ambition, and human vulnerability. As relationships fracture and loyalties are tested, the narrative gradually reveals buried truths and emotional tensions beneath ceremonial festivities. Blurring the boundaries between folklore symbolism and contemporary socio-political realities, the film unfolds as a psychological and cultural thriller rooted in lived experience.
Cast
- Kishor Kadam as Bhivaba
- Ishita Deshmukh as Suman
- Yogesh Sohoni as Anand "Aandya"
- Nishad Bhoir as Sarjerao
- Anuj Prabhu as Sahebrao
- Suresh Vishwakarma as Patil, Sarjerao's father
- Maadhavi Juvekar as Anand's mother
- Aishwarya Shinde as Anand's sister
- Kailash Waghmare as Mhorkya
- Poonam Patil as Suman's mother
- Prashant Deshpande as Anand's father
- Sharad Jadhav as Suman's father
- Vitthal Kale as Mohan
- Pravin Dalimbkar as Vilas
- Dhruv Thoke as Vishnu, Bhivaba's grandson
- Prabhakar Mathapati as Anand's brother-in-law[8]
Marketing
The teaser was released on 10 October 2025 with Kantara: Chapter 1 in selected cinemas.[9]
Release
The film was theatrically released in Maharashtra, India on 14 November 2025.[10]
Awards and Honours
Silver Peacock for Best Director Award – 56th International Film Festival of India 2025.[11] FIPRESCI Award – 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival 2026 [12] Best Director and Cinematographer Award- Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 Best Director Award- 22nd Third Eye Asian International Film Festival 2026 [13] Reported recognition at major Indian festival circuits including Best Director honours and cinematography appreciation at regional festivals.
Critics Reception
Santosh Bhingarde of Sakal awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 stars, describing it as an outstanding portrayal of our folk culture.[14] Anupama Gunde of Pudhari awarded 3 stars out of 5 stars, and wrote "The film symbolically blends darkness, the breaking dawn, and the emergence of truth into bright light."[15] Elizabrth Kerr of Screen Daily wrote "Though the narrative has its share of loose ends (one of which is disturbing for who it involves), Gondhal is immersive and enlightening, but also gleefully pulpy, and a breath of fresh air for Marathi cinema."[16]
Soundtrack
All music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Chandana" | Ajay Gogavale, Arya Ambekar | 5:08 |
| 2. | "Malhari" | Abhijeet Kosambi | 2:22 |