The 2024 Hindi film Santosh India, directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, will not be released in theaters in India, as the Central Film Certification Board (CBFC) had allegedly sought to cut the filmmakers as unacceptable, demanding a large cut. The film, depicting caste discrimination, sexual violence, Islamophobia and the barbarity of the police, took place at the World Premier Kan Film Festival and was an official presentation of the UK for the Oscar 2025.
Illustration of hatred, caste discrimination and police vandalism
Written and directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, Santosh is a set in northern India and follows a young widow’s visit who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a young Dalit girl. The film portrays hatred, caste discrimination and barbarity of police towards systemic women, as well as sexual violence against lower caste women and increasing anti -Muslim spirit in India.
The film was not banned completely
According to a member of the crew, the CBFC’s editing list released in January or February included changes in the names of the characters to avoid some caste representation. The board did not justify the cuts and the alleged interaction was no option. Although the film was not completely banned, the requested changes would change its essence, due to which the filmmakers had to withdraw it from release.
Director Sandhya Suri expressed disappointment
Director Sandhya Suri expressed disappointment, saying that the subjects of satisfaction were not new to Indian cinema and this decision was unexpected. He emphasized that violence has not been glorified in the film, but a target has been targeted to have a subtle depiction of law enforcement. He told The Guardian, “It was very important for me to release the film in India, but the requested cut would have made a compromise.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpig3o_isng
International fame and prize recognition
Santosh was widely appreciated when the first released at the Cannes Film Festival. It was the official entry of the UK for the International Feature category of Oscars and was nominated for BAFTA for the Best Debut feature. The film also received great reviews including five -star ratings from The Observer. Chief actress Shahna Goswami won the Best Actress Award at the Asian Film Awards, which further strengthened the film’s success on the global stage.
First up, the outstanding debut by a British writer, Director or Producer Nominees Are…
Luna Carmoon, Hoard
Rich poppiatt, kneecap
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Sandhya Suri, James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, Santosh
Karan Kandhari, Sister Midnight#EEBAFTAS pic.twitter.com/bando32xbb– BAFTA (@Bafta) January 15, 2025