The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked the release of the internationally acclaimed film Santosh in India. The film was the UK’s official entry to the Oscars and also reached the shortlist stage.
As per sources, the CBFC has demanded a long and wide-ranging list of cuts to the film, which deals with the police force and several societal issues. Set in North India, Santosh shows the journey of a young widow, who joins the police and is asked to handle the case of a Dalit girl’s murder. The Sandhya Suri film also touches upon the themes of caste discrimination, police brutality, sexual violence, and Islamophobia.
Talking about the issue, Santosh actor Shahana Goswami told India Today Digital, “The censor has given a list of changes they require for the film to release and we as a team are not in agreement with the cuts as they would change the film too much, and so it is in a deadlock where it probably won’t release theatrically in India.”
She also added that the film had received approval at the script level and now is facing hurdles. “It’s just sad that something that has gone through censor approval at the script level should require so many cuts and changes for it to be considered okay to release in India,” Goswami said.
Santosh is a thought-provoking crime drama directed by Sandhya Suri. Also starring Sunita Rajwar alongside Shahana, the film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival earlier in 2024. The film is available on the OTT platform MUBI in India.
