March 26, 2025: The Indian film censors have barred the release of the critically acclaimed film Santosh, citing concerns about its depiction of the Indian police force. Written and directed by Britis-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, the film has garnered international praise for its powerful portrayal of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl.
Set in North India, the film tackles tough social issues, including misogyny, Islamophobia and violence within the police force. The film sheds lights on the deep rooted discrimination against Dalits, the normalization of Police brutality, and the alarming rise of sexual violence against lower-caste women. It also explores the growing tide of anti-Muslim prejudice in India.
Despite its sensitive subject matter, the film has received widespread critical acclaim. The film made its debut at the Cannes film festival, earning praises from audiences and critics alike. It was the UK’s official entry for the Oscar’s International feature category and was nominated for a Bafta for best debut feature.
However, Indian audiences may never get to see Santosh on the big screen. The CBFC has refused to clear the film due to its negative portrayal of the police.
Sandhya Suri expressed her disappointment and said, “All my work has been about India, and this film shows another face of the country. But there’s humanity in every character, and that’s what I wanted to convey.”
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The Indian film censors have barred the release of the critically acclaimed film Santosh, citing concerns about its depiction of the Indian police force
March 26, 2025: The Indian film censors have barred the release of the critically acclaimed film Santosh, citing concerns about its depiction of the Indian police force. Written and directed by Britis-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, the film has garnered international praise for its powerful portrayal of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl.
Set in North India, the film tackles tough social issues, including misogyny, Islamophobia and violence within the police force. The film sheds lights on the deep rooted discrimination against Dalits, the normalization of Police brutality, and the alarming rise of sexual violence against lower-caste women. It also explores the growing tide of anti-Muslim prejudice in India.
Despite its sensitive subject matter, the film has received widespread critical acclaim. The film made its debut at the Cannes film festival, earning praises from audiences and critics alike. It was the UK’s official entry for the Oscar’s International feature category and was nominated for a Bafta for best debut feature.
However, Indian audiences may never get to see Santosh on the big screen. The CBFC has refused to clear the film due to its negative portrayal of the police.
Sandhya Suri expressed her disappointment and said, “All my work has been about India, and this film shows another face of the country. But there’s humanity in every character, and that’s what I wanted to convey.”