Indian censors have halted the release of the highly praised film Santosh, citing concerns over its portrayal of misogyny, Islamophobia, and the depiction of police violence in the country. Written and directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, the film explores the dark undercurrents of India’s police force, drawing attention to issues of caste discrimination, police brutality, and rising anti-Muslim sentiments.
Set in north India, Santosh follows the journey of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl. The film has garnered international acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of India’s social and institutional problems. Critics have hailed the film for its raw, realistic depiction of the challenges faced by women, Dalits, and minorities, particularly in the context of sexual violence and police corruption.
Debuting at the Cannes Film Festival, Santosh was lauded as a “phenomenal achievement” by the Observer, which awarded it five stars. The film went on to become the UK’s official entry for the Oscars’ International Feature category and earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Debut Feature. Lead actress Shahana Goswami also won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards.
Despite its success abroad, the film faces an uncertain future in India. Originally slated for release through the country’s largest cinema chain, Santosh was submitted for approval to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the government body responsible for certifying films. However, the CBFC refused to clear the film, citing concerns over its critical portrayal of police conduct and its depiction of sensitive societal issues.
In response, Suri expressed her disappointment with the decision, describing it as “heartbreaking” and “surprising,” noting that similar themes have appeared in Indian cinema before without facing such resistance. The censors reportedly demanded extensive cuts to the film, ranging from content concerning police conduct to depictions of caste-based discrimination. However, Suri explained that the cuts were so extensive that they would fundamentally alter the film’s message and impact.
Suri, who was deeply inspired by the 2012 Nirbhaya rape case, said it was crucial for the people affected by these issues to see the film. She emphasized that the film does not glorify violence but rather provides a stark and realistic portrayal of the problems facing India’s marginalized communities.
India’s cultural climate has become increasingly sensitive to films and TV shows addressing politically charged themes. In recent years, numerous projects have been targeted by hate campaigns, police cases, or dropped by streaming platforms before release, making Santosh’s rejection a part of a broader pattern of increased censorship.
While Suri admits she was “nervous” about the film’s release in the current political climate, she remains committed to ensuring that the film reaches Indian audiences. She believes that the film’s uncompromising depiction of the complexities of law enforcement and societal inequality is crucial for sparking meaningful conversation. The film’s portrayal of morally compromised characters, in contrast to the typical heroic police figure seen in other Indian films, may have contributed to the discomfort expressed by the censors.
No official statement has been made by the Indian police regarding the film, which is set in a fictional north Indian town. The CBFC has also not commented on the decision.
Suri has expressed her determination to continue fighting for the film’s release in India, stating, “All my work has been about India… Yes, this film shows another face of the country. But there’s humanity in everybody in this film.” Without an appeals process within the CBFC, Suri can only challenge the decision in court, but she remains hopeful that Santosh will eventually be seen by Indian audiences.
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