The United Kingdom’s official Oscar submission Santosh, a powerful drama highlighting caste violence and police misconduct, has been blocked from theatrical release in India. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to approve the film, citing its sensitive content related to police brutality, caste discrimination, and misogyny.
International Acclaim Meets Domestic Censorship
Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, Santosh tells the story of a young widow who joins the Indian police force and is drawn into a harrowing investigation of the murder of a Dalit (lower-caste) girl. The film explores deeply rooted social issues, including gender inequality, caste-based oppression, and institutional Islamophobia.
The film has earned global recognition, with:
- A world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival
- Selection as the UK’s official entry for the Academy Awards (Best International Feature category)
- A BAFTA nomination for Best Debut Feature
- A Best Actress win for Shahana Goswami at the Asian Film Awards
Yet despite this critical success, Indian authorities have blocked the film from domestic cinema screens.
“Heartbreaking” Decision, Says Director
Speaking to The Guardian, Suri described the CBFC’s move as “heartbreaking”. She noted that while Indian cinema has previously tackled police violence, Santosh may have unsettled censors due to its realistic and morally complex portrayal of law enforcement.
The CBFC demanded extensive cuts, which Suri says would have completely compromised the film’s integrity.
“It was surprising for all of us because I didn’t feel that these issues were particularly new to Indian cinema or hadn’t been raised before by other films. Maybe there’s something about this film which is troubling in that everybody is morally compromised, and there is no single hero”, she said.
Due to legal restrictions, Suri is unable to share full details of the CBFC’s objections but confirmed they struck at the heart of the film’s narrative and message.
Inspired by Real-Life Events: The Nirbhaya Case and Beyond
The emotional and thematic core of Santosh draws heavily from real-life events that shook India and captured international attention. Director Sandhya Suri was particularly influenced by the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, widely referred to as the Nirbhaya case.
This brutal attack on a young woman aboard a moving bus sparked nationwide outrage and mass protests across India, bringing longstanding issues of gender-based violence and systemic failures in law enforcement to the forefront.
Suri has spoken about how this tragic event acted as a catalyst for the film’s creation. Determined to portray the social realities faced by women in India, especially those from marginalised communities, she began developing the script with input from Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground.
To ensure the story remained authentic and sensitive, she collaborated closely with local activists, survivors, and legal experts. Their insights helped shape a narrative that not only addresses individual trauma but also exposes deeper institutional and societal flaws.
By rooting the film in real-life incidents and lived experiences, Santosh presents a powerful, unfiltered look at the challenges faced by women and minorities in India’s justice system—making its message all the more poignant and urgent.
Limited Options for Indian Release
India’s film certification system offers no formal appeals process once a film is denied clearance. The only option is to pursue a court challenge—an expensive and uncertain path. Suri has not ruled out legal action but is weighing her options carefully.
Summary of Key Achievements for Santosh
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | Premiered to critical acclaim |
| UK Oscar Entry | Official selection for Best International Feature |
| BAFTA Nomination | Best Debut Feature |
| Asian Film Awards | Best Actress – Shahana Goswami |
A Film Worth Watching, But Not in India
Despite the ban in India, Santosh continues to earn praise from international audiences and critics for its bold storytelling and social relevance. The film’s global recognition underscores its impact, even as it remains unseen in the country that inspired it.
Key Highlights:
- Title: Santosh
- Director: Sandhya Suri
- Starring: Shahana Goswami
- Themes: Caste violence, gender inequality, police brutality
- UK Recognition: Oscar entry, BAFTA nomination
- Blocked in India: Denied certification by CBFC
Santosh stands as a powerful example of cinema’s ability to confront uncomfortable truths—though in India, those truths may remain behind closed doors. Despite the domestic censorship setback, Santosh continues to resonate with international audiences, sparking crucial conversations around justice, gender, and caste dynamics.
