The team behind Gondhal, the Marathi film selected as India’s entry to the Oscars 2027, was in the UK this week to build up some hype in the lead-up to the coveted Academy Awards in Hollywood next year. Tongues on Fire, behind the annual UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF), came together with the High Commission of India in London for a special screening at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London on Thursday.
“India is a country of immense diversity and bringing stories to you from different parts of our country, and in different languages, helps demystify the country to cinema lovers across the world,” said Saloni Sahai, First Secretary at the Indian High Commission in London.
“This film is nominated for the Academy Awards next year, so we are hoping that this screening contributes in a small way towards its journey to global recognition,” she said.
The London screening was followed up by a Diwali celebration screening backed by the Consul General of India (CGI) in Manchester on Friday. “The Manchester presentation of Gondhal, following its London screening, represented a further opportunity to connect audiences with Indian cinema and its rich cultural traditions”, said Vishakha Yadhuvanshi, CGI in Manchester.
The screening was followed by interactions with lead actor Yogesh Sohoni and producer Adhish Desai, of Cocktail Studios. “By showcasing films in regional Indian languages, initiatives such as this continue to broaden the international conversation around Indian filmmaking, creating greater visibility for diverse narratives, emerging perspectives and authentic cultural expression”, said Rahul Kale.