UK’s official entry for Oscars, Santosh, despite its international acclaim, has been denied theatrical release in India by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The board reportedly raised concerns about the film’s depiction of police brutality, caste discrimination, misogyny, and its portrayal of law enforcement’s treatment of marginalised communities.

Santosh, a British-Indian film set in North India, tells the story of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl. It addresses sensitive issues such as custodial torture, Islamophobia, and sexual violence in India. 

The film was celebrated globally, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, being selected as the UK’s official entry for the Oscars, and receiving a BAFTA nomination for Best Debut Feature. Lead actress Shahana Goswami earned praise for her role, winning Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards.

Despite being filmed in India with a Hindi-speaking cast, the CBFC rejected the film, citing concerns over its content. The filmmakers reportedly faced demands for edits, which would alter the core themes of the movie. The director, Suri, found it impossible to make these changes while preserving the film’s integrity, as per reports.