Actor Shahana Goswami has expressed deep disappointment over the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to block the theatrical release of Santosh in India.
Despite receiving international acclaim and being the UK’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, the Sandhya Suri-directed film faces censorship hurdles in its home country.
Goswami finds the decision particularly disheartening as the film’s narrative is deeply rooted in India. “It’s upsetting that audiences here — where the film is set — won’t get to watch it. Given its appreciation at international and Indian film festivals, it is unfortunate that it cannot have a theatrical release,” she said.
The film, which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, is already available online for Indian viewers. However, the makers had hoped for a wider theatrical release, which now appears uncertain unless a resolution is reached.
“The censor board has provided a list of changes required for approval, but as a team, we do not agree with the cuts,” Goswami stated.
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Although she refrained from detailing the CBFC’s objections, reports suggest concerns over the film’s portrayal of Islamophobia, misogyny, and police brutality.
With inputs from Indian media