Indian film censors have refused to approve the release of the critically acclaimed film Santosh due to concerns about its portrayal of misogyny, Islamophobia, and violence in the Indian police force.
Written and directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, Santosh is set in northern India and follows the journey of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a young Dalit girl. The film offers an unflinching depiction of systemic misogyny, caste discrimination, and police brutality, while also addressing sexual violence against lower-caste women and the growing anti-Muslim sentiment in India.
International acclaim and award recognition
Debuting at the Cannes Film Festival, Santosh received widespread praise. It was the UK’s official entry for the Oscars’ international feature category and was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Debut Feature. The film also earned glowing reviews, including a five-star rating from The Observer. Lead actress Shahana Goswami won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards, further cementing the film’s success on the global stage.
Despite being made in India with an all-Indian cast and filmed entirely in Hindi, the filmmakers encountered no issues when submitting the script for approval during production. India’s largest cinema chain had even agreed to distribute the film in January.
Censorship and the CBFC’s decision
However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), responsible for approving all cinematic releases in India, refused to certify Santosh, citing concerns about its negative depiction of the police. As a result, Indian audiences are unlikely to see the film in cinemas.
Director’s reaction to the ban
Sandhya Suri described the decision as “disappointing and heartbreaking.” She expressed surprise, stating that similar issues had been addressed in past Indian films. The CBFC demanded extensive cuts, but legal restrictions prevent Suri from disclosing specific details. She noted that the list of required edits was so lengthy that implementing them would be “impossible” without compromising the film’s integrity.
The censorship comes at a time when India’s cultural sphere is under increasing scrutiny. Politically sensitive films and TV series often face backlash, hate campaigns, or are dropped by streaming platforms. Suri acknowledged feeling nervous about releasing Santosh in India but emphasised that it was crucial for the very people affected by these issues to see the film.
Police violence and torture remain serious concerns in India. A 2020 Human Rights Watch report highlighted that Indian police routinely use torture and violate arrest procedures with little accountability. While police brutality has been depicted in Indian films before, Suri speculated that Santosh’s realistic approach—without a singular heroic figure—may have unsettled censors more than stylized Bollywood portrayals of police violence.
No Response from Authorities
Neither Indian police officials nor the CBFC have responded to inquiries about the film. The CBFC’s decision is final, with no option for negotiation or appeal outside of legal action.
Despite the setback, Suri remains committed to making the film accessible to Indian audiences. “All my work has been about India,” she said, noting that while Santosh presents a different side of the country, it still portrays the humanity of its characters.
Currently, Santosh is being screened in UK cinemas.