The British-Indian film “Santosh” was supposed to hit theaters in India, but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked its release. This move comes as a shock, given that the film was shortlisted for the Oscars and received widespread critical acclaim.
The film tells the story of a woman who joins the police force after her husband’s death and is assigned to investigate the murder of a Dalit girl. It tackles issues like caste discrimination and sexual violence.
Actress Shohana Goswami, who stars in the film, says the CBFC wants significant changes before it can be released. “The censor board has given us a list of changes they want us to make, but our entire team disagrees with them,” she explains. “They want us to make too many changes, and that’s why it might not release in Indian theaters.”
Goswami had won an award for her role in “Santosh” at the Asian Film Awards. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Debut Feature at the BAFTAs.
The film’s writer and director, Sandhya Suri, calls the CBFC’s decision “disappointing” and “heartbreaking.” She says, “I didn’t think the issues shown in the film were new or hadn’t been addressed in other films before.” Suri feels that the changes demanded by the CBFC are impossible to make. “It was crucial for me that the film releases in India. I don’t think my film glorifies violence or is sensational. It shows the other side of the country, but it’s a film with humanity.”
The CBFC’s decision has raised questions about censorship and creative freedom in India. The film’s team is now unsure about its future in the country.