‘Santosh’, a film that premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, will make its Indian digital debut on October 17 on Lionsgate Play. The film is directed by Sandhya Suri and stars Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in lead roles. This marks the first time Santosh will be accessible to viewers in India, following its attention on the international festival circuit.
Produced by Good Chaos, Cinefrance Studios, and MetFilm Production, Santosh delves into the complex themes of caste, gender, and power dynamics within rural India. The story follows Santosh (played by Goswami), a young widow who assumes her late husband’s position in the police force through a compassionate appointment, reflecting a widespread practice in certain parts of India.
As Santosh settles into her role, her appointment, initially seen as symbolic, takes a significant turn when she is tasked with investigating the rape and murder of a Dalit teenager. This development forces Santosh to confront the realities of institutional power and entrenched social prejudice, highlighting the film’s exploration of both personal and systemic challenges.
Paired with Inspector Geeta Sharma, played by Sunita Rajwar, Santosh navigates a system shaped by longstanding biases and power imbalances. The film closely examines the experiences of women in law enforcement and the obstacles they face, particularly in sensitive caste-related cases.
Speaking about the film, lead actor Shahana Goswami said, “Santosh is a story that holds up a mirror to society. Sandhya Suri has crafted something meaningful, and working with Sunita Rajwar was especially memorable. I’m glad the film will now reach audiences in India.”
Santosh has received attention on the international festival circuit and will now be accessible to Indian viewers for the first time via streaming. The film was originally scheduled for a theatrical release in India on January 10, but the plan was put on hold due to a standoff with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
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