British-Indian director Sandhya Suri’s film Santosh, which has received international acclaim for its portrayal of misogyny, caste discrimination, and Islamophobia, has been blocked from release in India by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), sparking debate over censorship, artistic freedom, and systemic issues in Indian cinema.
According to The Times of India, UK producers Good Chaos stated: “The Central Board of Film Certification of India saw Santosh and asked that the filmmaker make considerable edits, which the team felt were impossible while retaining the essence of the film. As a result, the film will not see a theatrical release in India.”
Santosh is a Hindi-language film crime drama co-produced by UK, India, France and Germany. The film follows a young widow who joins the police force in a fictional North Indian town, investigating the brutal murder of a Dalit girl. The film explores police brutality, caste-based discrimination, systemic corruption, and rising anti-Muslim sentiment in contemporary India.
Premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Santosh was selected as the UK’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars and garnered a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut. Lead actor Shahana Goswami won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards for her portrayal of the titular character.
Despite its international success, the CBFC refused to certify the film in India, citing its “negative portrayal” of the police. The move has drawn criticism, with many accusing the CBFC of hypocrisy and intolerance toward films that challenge societal institutions.
Reactions to the ban
Speaking to Guardian, Suri expressed her frustration, emphasising that the film’s themes are not new to Indian cinema. “I don’t feel my film glorifies violence in a way that many other films focusing on the police have done. There’s nothing sensationalist about it,” said the director.
Suri also highlighted the importance of the film’s documentary-like realism, which she believes might have made the censors uncomfortable. Unlike many popular Indian films, Santosh lacks a traditional hero figure and offers a stark critique of systemic injustices, making it a rare and bold cinematic endeavour.
Goswami, who portrays the protagonist Santosh, expressed her disappointment in a statement to The Times of India. “It’s sad that a film about our reality cannot be seen by most people, despite the great response at festivals in India.”
The ban on Santosh comes at a time when India’s cultural landscape is under intense scrutiny. While films promoting anti-Muslim or nationalist narratives thrive, critical voices – whether through films or comedy – are increasingly silenced. Actor and activist Riz Ahmed added his voice to the conversation, urging audiences to “Go see the film they don’t want you to” in an Instagram story.
With no formal appeals process within the CBFC, filmmakers like Suri are left with limited legal options to challenge such bans. Suri has vowed to continue fighting for the film’s release, stating, “It is vitally important for those affected by the film’s themes to see it.”
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