Santosh by Sandhya Suri Takes a Leap to the Oscars as UK’s Official Entry
British-Indian director and documentarian Sandhya Suri’s film Santosh has been selected by the British Academy as the UK’s official submission for the Oscars in the International Feature Film category. This prestigious recognition comes as a major achievement for Suri, marking her feature film directorial debut. The film, shot in Hindi, made its world premiere earlier this year at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section.
The Plot of Santosh
Set in rural North India, Santosh tells the powerful story of a 28-year-old widow who becomes a constable after the tragic death of her husband. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she is recruited by a feminist inspector to investigate the murder of an underage girl from a lower caste. The film touches on complex social issues like caste-based violence, gender dynamics, and empowerment, making it a deeply moving narrative.
Santosh stars Shahana Goswami in the lead role, with Sunita Rajwar playing a pivotal part. The supporting cast includes Sanjay Bishnoi and Kushal Dubey. The film’s music is composed by Luisa Gerstein, while Lennert Hillege handled the cinematography. Editing was done by Maxime Pozzi-Garcia. Produced by James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, Mike Goodridge, and Alan McAlex, Santosh is co-financed by BBC Film, BFI, Good Chaos, Razor Film Produktion, and Haut et Court. Executive producers include Ama Ampadu, Martin Gerhard, Lucia Haslauer, Diarmid Scrimshaw, and Eva Yates.
Why Santosh is Significant
The film delves into the harsh realities of life in rural India, particularly highlighting the struggles of women and marginalized communities. Shahana Goswami’s performance as the widow-turned-constable is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The film also provides a critique of the caste system and the challenges faced by women seeking justice in a patriarchal society. These elements, combined with Suri’s directorial vision, make Santosh not only an artistic triumph but also a socially relevant piece.
In an interview with The Indian Express at Cannes, Shahana Goswami expressed her hope that Santosh would see a release in India, despite its niche appeal. She stated, “Films like these will always have a niche release because that is the nature of the business. But it would be heartbreaking if it didn’t, because we have made a film to be watched. As with other films which are subversive, you can hold up a mirror without pointing fingers at anyone. But I’m hopeful, the humanity of it might help it come out.”
Oscars Buzz and the Global Recognition of Santosh
With Santosh being chosen as the UK’s entry for the Oscars, the film is already gaining international attention. Sandhya Suri is no stranger to critical acclaim, having previously directed documentaries such as I for India (2005) and Around India with a Movie Camera (2018). This selection not only highlights Suri’s talent as a storyteller but also brings global recognition to stories rooted in Indian culture and society.
While Santosh represents the UK at the Oscars, India has selected Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category. Produced by Aamir Khan, Laapataa Ladies features a talented cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Ravi Kishan.
The inclusion of Santosh in the Oscar race is a significant moment for South Asian cinema, showcasing the growing recognition of diverse and impactful stories from the region. As the awards season approaches, all eyes will be on Sandhya Suri and her team as they continue to break barriers and share their narrative with a global audience.
