Indian film censors have refused to approve the release of Santosh, a critically acclaimed film by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, citing concerns over its depiction of misogyny, Islamophobia, and police brutality.
Set in North India, Santosh follows a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl. The film, which debuted at Cannes and was the UK’s official Oscar entry, has won widespread praise for its bold storytelling. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked its release, demanding extensive cuts that the filmmakers deemed “impossible” to implement without compromising the film’s essence.
Suri expressed disappointment, calling the decision “heartbreaking,” especially since the script was initially approved for filming in India without objections. Despite support from major Indian distributors, the film now faces an uncertain future in its home country.
