Too much censoring: Oscar movie Santosh won’t get Indian release

The 2024 Hindi film Santosh, directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, will not see a theatrical release in India after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) allegedly sought substantial cuts that filmmakers deemed unacceptable. The film, which explores caste discrimination, sexual violence, Islamophobia, and police brutality, had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and was the UK’s official submission for the Oscars 2025.

According to a crew member, the CBFC’s list of edits, issued in January or February, included changes to character names to avoid certain caste representations. The board did not provide justifications for the cuts, and negotiations were reportedly not an option. While the film was not outright banned, the requested changes would have altered its essence, leading the filmmakers to withdraw it from release.

CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi did not respond to requests for comment.

Director Sandhya Suri expressed disappointment, stating that the themes of Santosh were not new to Indian cinema and that the decision was unexpected. She emphasised that the film did not glorify violence but instead aimed for a nuanced portrayal of law enforcement. "It was very important to me that the film be released in India, but making the requested cuts would have compromised its vision," she told The Guardian.

The film has received international recognition, with Suri winning Best New Director and lead actress Shahana Goswami earning Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards. It was also nominated for Outstanding Debut at the BAFTA Awards.

Film experts have criticised the CBFC’s stance, with theorist Amrit Gangar calling it a “sad story” and arguing that such restrictions hinder meaningful cinema. He pointed out that in today’s digital age, preventing public access to a film is nearly impossible, and certification barriers primarily affect revenue rather than viewership.

With OTT platforms also unlikely to pick up the film due to certification issues, the only remaining option is a legal battle—a step Suri is reportedly hesitant to take. The controversy has reignited debates over artistic freedom and censorship in Indian cinema.