Censorship Halts Release of Acclaimed Film 'Santosh' in India

Overview of 'Santosh'

The highly regarded film Santosh, directed by British filmmaker Sandhya Suri, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and was selected to represent the UK in the Best International Feature Film category. The narrative unfolds in an unnamed town in North India, featuring Shahana Goswami in the lead role. Despite its critical acclaim, the film has not yet been screened in the country it portrays.

Streaming Release Stalled

Originally set to be available on Lionsgate Play starting October 15, the release of Santosh has been postponed indefinitely. Suri mentioned, “It was announced and now we’re un-announcing, so a lot more people are going to watch it in some other form,” as reported by a media outlet.

Censorship Challenges

This is not the first time Santosh has faced censorship issues. The film was initially scheduled for a theatrical release in India in March, but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requested extensive cuts, which Suri declined to make. Reports indicate that the list of required edits was extensive, addressing sensitive themes related to police conduct and societal issues.

Themes and Impact

The film follows Santosh, a police constable investigating the brutal rape and murder of a Dalit girl. While a young Muslim man is arrested, Santosh's investigation leads her to different conclusions. The film critiques systemic prejudice against minorities, particularly Muslims, and highlights the unchecked power of law enforcement.

Suri's Vision

In a previous interview, Suri expressed that Santosh embodies a deep concern for India. Born in the UK to Indian parents, her previous documentaries reflect her engagement with her Indian roots. The film aims to address the normalization of violence against women in society.

Censorship in Streaming

The inability of Lionsgate Play to showcase Santosh underscores the growing influence of censorship on streaming platforms, which were initially seen as havens for creative expression. Although streaming films do not require the same censorship approvals as theatrical releases, they are increasingly subject to similar restrictions.

The Role of the Censor Board

The censor board's role often distorts the filmmakers' original vision, imposing arbitrary restrictions based on vague notions of public decency and national interest. This has led to a climate where political themes are largely absent from cinema, particularly those addressing injustices against minorities.

Streaming Platforms and Self-Censorship

Initially, platforms like Netflix and Prime Video were expected to revolutionize storytelling and provide a space free from censorship. However, recent events have shown that self-censorship has become prevalent, with creators often avoiding controversial topics to sidestep backlash.

Conclusion

The experience of Santosh illustrates the pervasive nature of censorship in India, affecting both theatrical and streaming releases. As the film industry grapples with these challenges, the promise of unfiltered storytelling remains elusive.

Trailer