CBFC Blocks Release of UK’s Oscar Entry Santosh in India

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked the theatrical release of Santosh, a critically acclaimed film that was the United Kingdom’s official entry to the Oscars. The film, which deals with complex societal issues, had also reached the shortlist stage at the Academy Awards.

According to sources, the CBFC has demanded a comprehensive list of cuts, citing concerns over the film’s sensitive themes. Set in North India, Santosh follows the journey of a young widow who joins the police force and is assigned to investigate the murder of a Dalit girl. Directed by Sandhya Suri, the film explores topics such as caste discrimination, police brutality, sexual violence, and Islamophobia.

Actor Shahana Goswami, who plays the titular role, spoke to India Today Digital about the situation, stating, "The censor has given a list of changes they require for the film to release and we as a team are not in agreement with the cuts as they would change the film too much, and so it is in a deadlock where it probably won't release theatrically in India."

Expressing disappointment over the censorship hurdles, she further added, "It's just sad that something that has gone through censor approval at the script level should require so many cuts and changes for it to be considered okay to release in India."

Despite the roadblocks in its theatrical release, Santosh had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024. The film, which also stars Sunita Rajwar, is currently available for streaming in India on the OTT platform MUBI.