Indian film censors have blocked the release of the critically acclaimed film Santosh over concerns about its portrayal of misogyny, Islamophobia, and violence within the Indian police force.
Santosh, written and directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, is set in North India and has received international praise for its depiction of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl.
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The film presents an unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of the Indian police force, exposing deep-rooted misogyny, caste discrimination, and the normalization of mistreatment and torture by officers.
It also addresses the issue of sexual violence in India, particularly against lower-caste women, and highlights the rising tide of anti-Muslim prejudice in the country.
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Santosh premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to widespread acclaim. It was the UK’s official entry for the Oscars’ International Feature category and was also nominated for a BAFTA for Best Debut Feature this year.
Shot entirely in India, Santosh features an all-Indian cast and is filmed in Hindi.
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However, Indian audiences are unlikely to see it in cinemas after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to approve it, citing concerns over its negative portrayal of the police.
Hailed as one of the best Indian cop films in recent times, Santosh presents a harsh yet realistic depiction of the truth, one that many may find difficult to accept.
The ban has sparked outrage among film enthusiasts online, who question why thought-provoking films are being censored while mediocre films continue to flood theatres.
Art is meant to reflect reality, but when that reality becomes too uncomfortable, the CBFC steps in to suppress it.
It is a shame that such an internationally acclaimed film has not been granted approval for release.
