After nearly a year-long battle with India&rsquo;s censor board, the internationally acclaimed Hindi film Santosh is finally set to premiere in India.&nbsp;
Directed by Sandhya Suri and starring Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, the film will release digitally on Lionsgate Play on October 17.
The film gained international recognition after being chosen as Britain&rsquo;s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year.&nbsp;
However, its Indian release was delayed due to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which reportedly requested several edits.
Speaking about the project, actor Shahana Goswami said, &ldquo;Santosh is a beautifully written and deeply honest story that reflects our society. Sandhya Suri has created something powerful and moving.&rdquo;&nbsp;
She also praised her co-star Sunita Rajwar for her &ldquo;exceptional portrayal of Geeta Sharma.&rdquo;
Set in rural India, the film tells the story of a young widow who inherits her late husband&rsquo;s job in the police force and is soon tasked with investigating the rape and murder of a Dalit teenager.&nbsp;
The narrative has been praised globally for its sensitive depiction of caste, gender, and institutional power.
Produced by Good Chaos, Cinefrance Studios, and MetFilm Production, Santosh was longlisted for the Oscars though it did not secure a nomination.&nbsp;
Despite the prolonged censorship struggle, its release in India marks a significant win for socially relevant and meaningful cinema.

Shahana Goswami in Santosh film promotional still

After censorship hurdles, Sandhya Suri’s Oscar-entry film Santosh premieres in India

Santosh To Release In India On Oct 17

After censorship hurdles, Sandhya Suri’s Oscar-entry film Santosh premieres in India

October 8, 2025 | 15:55 IST