'Santosh': The UK's 2025 Oscar Entry—Here's Why This Film on Caste Injustice, Gender Struggles, and Systemic Corruption is Unmissable

New Delhi- After Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) was denied entry into the Oscars, Santosh has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Hindi-language cinema community. Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards, and Santosh has proudly secured its place among them. Sharing the list of shortlisted films, the Academy announced that the final nominations will be revealed on January 17. Scheduled for March 2, 2025, this gala event is widely regarded as the biggest night in cinema.

This year, the category witnessed submissions from 85 countries and regions, highlighting the global competition. Academy members from all branches participated in the preliminary round of voting, meeting stringent viewing requirements to ensure fairness in the selection process.

Set against this backdrop, Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri, stands out as a gritty, poignant narrative that explores the intersections of gender, caste, and systemic corruption in rural India.

Suri’s dedication to authenticity and compelling storytelling has propelled this UK entry into the global spotlight, making it a strong contender for the coveted golden statue.

“Santosh,” the United Kingdom’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, is a gritty, powerful narrative that explores themes of violence, gender dynamics, and personal empowerment.

Directed by Sandhya Suri, the Hindi-language film is groundbreaking as it marks the first time the UK has chosen a Hindi film for this prestigious category. Featuring a stellar performance by Shahana Goswami in the titular role, the film delves deep into the complex intersections of caste, corruption, and misogyny in rural India.

Synopsis of 'Santosh'

The story revolves around Santosh Saini, a 28-year-old widow who inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable under a government scheme offering employment on compassionate grounds. Set in the rural backdrop of Northern India, Santosh transitions from being a housewife to a police officer in one of the most corrupt and patriarchal police forces in the country. Her journey takes a pivotal turn when a low-caste girl is found murdered at the bottom of a well.

Initially, Santosh grapples with the alien environment of her workplace, marked by sexism, caste prejudice, and police brutality. Her duties often include mundane or demeaning tasks, such as walking her superior’s dog or enforcing anti-sex morality codes.

However, the arrival of Geeta Sharma, a charismatic feminist inspector, introduces a new dynamic. Together, the two women embark on a high-pressure investigation that not only challenges their resolve but also forces Santosh to confront her identity, power, and morality.

The film’s raw depiction of societal injustices—including casteism, systemic corruption, and the oppressive patriarchy—is both startling and thought-provoking. While Santosh’s quiet resilience is at the core of the narrative, the investigation serves as a lens to examine deeper societal issues.

Sandhya Suri: The Vision Behind 'Santosh'

Reflecting on the film’s origins, writer and director Sandhya Suri shared her inspiration with IANS. “I had been searching for a meaningful way to talk about violence against women for a long time,” Suri said. Her eureka moment came during her time in India, researching and working with NGOs. She recalled seeing a powerful image from the protests following the Nirbhaya gang rape case in Delhi: a line of female police officers facing a crowd of enraged female protesters. “One officer’s enigmatic expression fascinated me. It symbolized both power and powerlessness—a dichotomy I wanted to explore,” she explained.

Suri’s research into the “appointment on compassionate grounds” policy—which allows dependents of deceased police officers to inherit their jobs—laid the groundwork for Santosh’s journey. Spending time with widows who had joined the police force after losing their husbands, Suri discovered stories of transformation, resilience, and struggle. “I was struck by the journey: from housewife to widow, to policewoman. That was a journey I wanted to write about and one I wanted to watch,” she said.

Suri emphasized the importance of authenticity in “Santosh.” The protagonist, Santosh, is not the typical upper-middle-class, English-speaking character often seen in Indian films. “She doesn’t speak English. She’s a constable. I wanted to keep that authentic,” Suri noted. Her dedication to realism extended to the script—refined through the Sundance Scriptwriters’ Lab—and the intricate research that informed the characters and setting.

Suri’s filmmaking background in documentaries, including “I for India” and “Around India with a Movie Camera,” shaped her approach to storytelling. “My training helped me think deeply about structure and narrative while staying grounded in real-life details,” she said.

Critical Themes and Reception

“Santosh” is more than a crime thriller. It is a social commentary on the systemic injustices faced by women and marginalized communities in India. From caste-based discrimination to gender dynamics within the police force, the film addresses pressing issues with blunt honesty. The nuanced performances by Shahana Goswami as Santosh and Sunita Rajwar as Geeta Sharma further elevate the narrative.

The film’s depiction of Santosh’s internal and external struggles has garnered praise for its depth and relatability. However, critics have noted that the film sometimes shies away from delving deeper into certain themes, such as the hinted queer tension between Santosh and Geeta.

“Santosh” has been celebrated on the global stage, earning a spot in the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival before being selected as the UK’s entry for the Oscars. For Suri, the recognition is both exhilarating and humbling. Recalling the moment she learned about the film’s Oscar selection, she said, “I dropped my shopping bags and gave a fist pump. My daughter was so happy she forgot to be embarrassed.”

“Santosh” is a landmark film that not only highlights the talent of its cast and crew but also serves as a mirror to society. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the resilience of ordinary individuals navigating extraordinary circumstances. With its Oscar entry, “Santosh” has firmly placed itself as a film that demands to be seen and discussed.