Movie Name : Gondhal
Release Date : November 13, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Kishore Kadam, Ishitaa Deshmukh, Nishad Bhoir, Yogesh Sohoni and others
Director : Santosh Davakhar
Producers : Santosh Davakhar, Deeksha Davakhar
Music Director : Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematographer : Amalendu Chaudhary
Editor : Ashish Mhatre
Related Links : Trailer
Many films have arrived in theatres this week. Marathi film Gondhal, the official entry from India to the 99th Academy Awards has now been released in theatres. Let’s see how it is.
Story:
The story starts off by focusing on a newlywed couple from a small village in Maharashtra. Anandha (Yogesh Sohoni), also called Aandhya in the film, is an innocent person who is often ridiculed by his co-villagers as impotent. He gets married to a beautiful woman named Suman (Ishita Deshmukh) who is also from that village. However, her personality is in stark contrast to Anandha’s. She continues to remain close to Patel’s son, Sarjerao (Nishad Bhoir), even after marriage.
A local tradition and devotional ritual called Gondhal is performed as the young couple ties the knot, and this is when an unexpected incident takes place. What decision does Suman make regarding her life partner? What is the purpose of Gondhal? Why do newly married couples perform Gondhal? These questions form part of the crux of the story.
Plus Points:
If you wonder whether the movie is deserving enough to be selected for the Oscars, the answer is yes. It is a slow-burn thriller that draws viewers into its world as the story unfolds, gradually building excitement. The initial 25–27 minutes are completely dedicated to character establishment. It is a single-take sequence that is undoubtedly mesmerising. The director displays his cinematic brilliance by bringing multiple artists together in this sequence.
The makers have made use of AI to lip-sync the dialogues, and the results are impressive. Gondhal gives us the feeling of watching a straight Telugu film, and some moments come across as really surprising. The lip-sync aspect is even better than what the Ramayana team pulled off, and this is a major takeaway.
The folklore surrounding Gondhal is superbly showcased through songs that also act as a mirror to the characters and the film’s world. Yogesh, Ishita, and Kishor Kadam deliver solid performances and fit their respective roles well. Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu also do well. The twists and turns offer several surprises.
Minus Points:
It seems that the blockbuster Kantara served as an inspiration for Gondhal. Since the narrative moves at a leisurely pace, some moments cause boredom here and there. Also, the drama, songs, and the subject itself may not appeal to every section of the audience.
Technical Aspects:
The production values are good. The night sequences are superb, and the way the bygone era, village atmosphere, and overall look of the characters are showcased is exceptional. Ilaiyaraaja’s work is another asset. The Marathi folk songs and music are highly appealing. The Telugu dubbing is the trump card. The camera work and editing are decent.
Director Santosh Dawakar appears to have drawn inspiration from Kantara and come up with an interesting plot and screenplay. His taking, framing, grip over the Gondhal tradition, and the thrill factor built around it are solid.
Verdict:
On the whole, Gondhal is an interesting folklore-based thriller with an intriguing plot, twists, and metaphors. Ilaiyaraaja’s music and AI-assisted Telugu lip-sync are major assets. However, the narrative is slow, and the subject may not appeal to everyone. Those who enjoy rooted thrillers with a slow-burn narrative can give this a try.
123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team