Nov 13, 2026 2:00pm IST
‘Gondhal’ Movie Review: Santosh Davakhar Captures Human Chaos In The Middle Of Celebrations
Santosh Davakhar's "Gondhal," which was initially released on November 14, 2026, is all set for a re-run in cinema halls. With the movie being India's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards, curiosity around it is at an all-time high. In his debut movie, Davakhar sticks to his roots, weaving a thriller around a Gondhal, a traditional ritual invoking the deities in Maharashtra's villages. The word Gondhal also means chaos and confusion, which aptly describes the lives of the main protagonists.
The story starts off with Bhivaba (Kishor Kadam) heading off to perform a Gondhal with his grandson. It is held to bless Anandrao (Yogesh Sohoni) and Suman (Ishita Deshmukh), a couple whose union is the talk of the town. As the Gondhal creates a celebratory atmosphere, a sinister plan brews involving key characters in the film. At the center of the drama is Suman, suffocated by the choices others have made for her. Not one to give up, she hatches a plan, hoping it will take her closer to her ultimate goal. Davakhar keeps his movie rooted in reality, showing how social and economic conflicts in a tight-knit community can give birth to dark impulses.
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"Gondhal" is as much a triumph for cinematographer Amalendu Chaudhary as it is for Davakhar. His mastery in the opening sequence sets the tone for the film, leaving audiences curious about the final outcome. Most of the movie is shot in darkness, underlining its sinister undertone. From close-ups of the actors to moments from the Gondhal, the visual imagery of the film is top-notch. Veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja shows his class in songs like "Chandan" and "Malhari," making it tough to believe that this is his first Marathi movie.
Actors Yogesh Sohoni and Ishita Deshmukh have layered characters. Sohoni plays Anandrao, a young man pushed into marriage even as he is the butt of regular jokes about his masculinity. Suman, on the other hand, tries to use her looks to escape her situation, even if it means immense danger to those involved with her. Deshmukh is good with her body language and expressions. Sohoni has a tougher job but builds a sense of mystery around Anandrao that stands out in the climax. Nishad Bhoir as Sarjerao, a nepo kid with a deep desire for Suman, is the archetypal hinterland cinematic villain: greedy, power-hungry and lustful. Kishor Kadam as Bhivaba lets his eyes do the talking.
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Ashish Mhatre's editing is pitch-perfect, keeping audiences glued till the end. While the plot of "Gondhal" is pretty straightforward, Mhatre's pacing and placement of scenes give it the feel of a thriller. He also uses the symbolism of the Gondhal to great effect.
However, the film is not without its flaws. While Suman's predicament is understandable, it is unclear why she resorts to such extreme measures. The conflict between Patil (Suraj Vishwakarma) and Bhivaba (Kishor Kadam) is also half-baked.
In his debut film, Davakhar shows he is well-versed in the technicalities of filmmaking. "Gondhal" shines with its aesthetics and use of colors. He has also extracted fine performances from the young actors who are at the heart of the story. As a Marathi film, it celebrates the iconography of the Gondhal with flourish, taking viewers through the sights, sounds and beliefs that make up the ritual.
In the climax, Anandrao escapes unscathed even as those around him deal with death, betrayal and resentment. The blessings of Khanderaya stay with the innocent, while Suman is left to live with immense guilt and grief. Davakhar's "Gondhal" is indeed a cinematic celebration of Marathi culture, and it deserves laurels above all for its realistic, haunting and impactful portrayal of the machinations of the human mind.
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