Director and writer Sandhya Suri presents a gripping, politically charged crime procedural set in India, tackling issues of sexism, caste discrimination, and Islamophobia. Her debut fictional feature, which began as a documentary project inspired by the 2012 gang-rape and murder of Jyoti Singh, also explores the complex dynamics between two female police officers: a jaded, seasoned veteran and an idealistic rookie. The film, with its raw intensity, is a gender-flipped version of Training Day, where the two leads—played powerfully by Sunita Rajwar and Shahana Goswami—share a fraught relationship marked by mentorship and moral conflict.
Suri, whose previous work included the deeply personal documentary I for India, brings a unique perspective to her fiction debut. The film centers around the controversial Indian practice of “compassionate appointments,” where the widow of a deceased public servant can apply for the same job. Goswami portrays Santosh, a woman who, after the tragic death of her husband in a riot, secures his position in the police force. With no children and no financial support, she steps into the role only to find herself embroiled in a contentious case involving the rape and murder of a Dalit girl, whose body was discovered in a village well. The local community is in uproar, accusing the police of caste prejudice and negligence.
Rajwar shines as senior inspector Geeta Sharma, a battle-hardened cop assigned to manage the case and keep the media at bay. Sharma sees potential in the new recruit Santosh, who proves to be resourceful and effective despite her lack of experience. Santosh displays sharp instincts, especially when dealing with sensitive cases like a female corpse, an area where male officers often hesitate. Initially, it’s clear that Santosh is a quick study—competent yet eager to please her superiors. However, her performance takes a darker turn as the film explores the morally gray world of law enforcement, where intimidation, violence, and coercion are often more effective than justice.
Beneath her idealistic exterior, Santosh is motivated by a personal need for closure or perhaps revenge for her husband’s death. Goswami masterfully portrays Santosh’s internal conflict: a woman who has long been marginalized and powerless, now walking with newfound authority in her uniform. As Santosh grapples with her past—her love marriage against her husband’s family’s wishes, the emotional weight of his absence—she is forced to confront her role in the corrupt and oppressive system she is now a part of.
In a tense, often uncomfortable narrative, Training Day meets social commentary, as Santosh navigates a male-dominated environment, balancing her duties with the harsh realities of policing. Suri’s film is a thought-provoking and satisfying exploration of identity, power, and moral ambiguity in contemporary India.
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