Key Points:
- CBFC blocks the release of Sandhya Suri’s critically acclaimed film Santosh in India, citing concerns over its portrayal of police brutality, caste discrimination, misogyny, and Islamophobia.
- The film, UK’s official entry for the Oscars, premiered at Cannes and earned a BAFTA nomination but now faces extensive censorship demands.
- Director Sandhya Suri and actress Shahana Goswami refuse to make cuts, calling them a threat to the film’s integrity.
- Santosh explores sensitive societal issues through the lens of a widow-turned-police constable investigating a Dalit girl’s murder.
New Delhi: Sandhya Suri’s internationally acclaimed film Santosh, which was the UK’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, has hit a major roadblock in India. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to approve its theatrical release, demanding extensive cuts that filmmakers argue would compromise its essence.
A Bold Narrative Challenged
Set in northern India, Santosh follows the journey of a young Hindu widow (played by Shahana Goswami) who inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable. She is tasked with investigating the murder of a Dalit girl, exposing systemic issues such as caste discrimination, police brutality, sexual violence, and Islamophobia.
The film has been lauded globally for its unflinching portrayal of societal challenges. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 under the Un Certain Regard section, earning critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances. Lead actress Shahana Goswami won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards, while the film received a BAFTA nomination for Best Debut Feature.
CBFC’s Objections
Despite receiving script approval during production, Santosh now faces demands for multiple edits spanning several pages. The CBFC has raised objections to its depiction of police misconduct and broader societal themes, claiming they portray law enforcement in a negative light.
Director Sandhya Suri expressed her disappointment: “It’s heartbreaking because these are not new issues to Indian cinema—they have been addressed by other films before. Making these cuts would strip away the film’s integrity.” Actress Shahana Goswami echoed this sentiment, stating that the requested changes would alter the narrative significantly: “It’s sad that something approved at the script level now requires so many edits for release.”
Themes That Spark Controversy
Santosh challenges mainstream Bollywood portrayals of police power by offering a counter-narrative to vigilante cop fantasies seen in franchises like Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe. Instead of glorifying extra-judicial actions, it sheds light on systemic flaws within law enforcement and their impact on marginalized communities.
The arrival of Inspector Geeta Sharma (played by Sunita Rajwar) adds complexity to Santosh’s journey. Sharma serves as both mentor and foil, guiding Santosh while revealing layers of hierarchy and prejudice within the system.
International Acclaim vs Domestic Hurdles
While Santosh has received widespread praise abroad including glowing reviews from critics like The Observer—its path to Indian theaters remains uncertain. The CBFC’s stance has reignited debates over artistic freedom and censorship in Indian cinema.
Film theorist Amrit Gangar criticized the decision, calling it “a sad story” that hinders meaningful cinema. He noted that in today’s digital age, censorship primarily affects revenue rather than viewership, as films often find alternative platforms like OTT streaming services.
Legal Battle or Stalemate?
With no direct appeal process against CBFC decisions, filmmakers must resort to costly legal battles that offer no guaranteed success. Suri hinted at her reluctance to pursue this route but emphasized her desire for Indian audiences especially those affected by the issues depicted to see the film.
Meanwhile, social media users have reacted strongly to the controversy. One user commented: “People are afraid to look in the mirror,” while another lamented: “Freedom of speech is being curbed more than ever.”
What Lies Ahead?
As Santosh remains stuck in limbo, it continues to spark important conversations about censorship and representation in Indian cinema. Critics argue that blocking films like Santosh stifles dialogue on pressing societal issues issues that demand attention now more than ever.
With its poignant exploration of caste-based violence, misogyny, and systemic corruption, Santosh stands as a powerful critique of modern society. While international audiences have embraced its bold narrative, Indian viewers may have to wait or turn to alternative platforms to experience this thought-provoking masterpiece.
