Oscar-Nominated Film Santosh To FINALLY Release In India After Months Of Censorship, But There’s A Twist

Sandhya Suri’s film Santosh, starring Shahana Goswami, will finally release in India, but not in theatres. After nearly a year-long struggle over censorship and certification issues, the film—Britain’s official entry to the Oscars last year—is set to premiere digitally on Lionsgate Play. The film, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year, was unable to secure a theatrical release in India. However, it will now be accessible to Indian audiences via a digital platform.

Shahana Goswami’s Santosh To Release In India On 17th October

The actress shared on Instagram, “This Diwali, Santosh finally speaks – A story India has been waiting for. There are silences heavier than words, silences that can bury truth like a shallow grave. #Santosh steps into that silence, refusing to look away. This is not a tale of heroism, but of survival. A story of women who find strength not all at once, but one quiet choice at a time. From standing ovations at Cannes to its digital premiere, Santosh makes its powerful debut on 17th October, only on Lionsgate Play.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lionsgate Play (@lionsgateplayin)

Santosh tells the story of a young widow who inherits her late husband’s police position. Her symbolic role quickly turns into a challenging ordeal. It is when she is tasked with investigating the r*pe and murder of a Dalit teenager. The film has been praised globally for its sensitive and nuanced handling of caste-based crime and policing in India.

Delayed Release Due To CBFC Objections

The film’s release in India was postponed first to late last year. Then, in early 2025, due to issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film was not released. The CBFC refused to certify Santosh without numerous cuts, effectively banning it. Sunita Rajwar described the situation to PTI,“We all want the audience to see the film and understand what we’ve created. But it’s banned. The makers are trying, but the censor board is demanding so many edits that it’s simply not possible.”

Directed by Sandhya Suri and produced by Good Chaos, Cinefrance Studios, and MetFilm Production, Santosh was Britain’s official submission for the 2025 Oscars and made it onto the December longlist, though it ultimately did not receive a nomination.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: BAFTA Awards 2025: After All We Imagine As Light, Radhika Apte’s Sister Midnight & Shahana Goswami’s Santosh receive nods – Full nomination list inside

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.