In a significant leap for British-Indian cinema, Sandhya Suri’s gripping crime thriller Santosh (2024) has been chosen to represent the U.K. in the Oscars’ International Feature Film category. Following its acclaimed debut at Cannes earlier this year, where it premiered in the prestigious Un Certain Regard competition, the Hindi-language film is already generating considerable buzz. As the U.K. proudly eyes a second consecutive Oscar in this category, following its triumph with Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, all eyes are on Suri’s debut feature to carry the torch forward.
Santosh stands as an enthralling and introspective crime drama, set in rural northern India, that delves into the complexities of caste and gender. The film introduces audiences to Santosh, a recently widowed woman who unexpectedly inherits her late husband’s position as a police constable.
Played by the versatile Shahana Goswami, Santosh is quickly thrust into an investigation of the murder of an underage girl from a so-called “lower caste.” Her journey, shaped by moral conflict and systemic injustice, is further complicated when she’s paired with a feminist inspector—bringing to the fore a narrative that not only highlights the caste divide but also exposes the personal and societal pressures that come with Santosh’s new role.
Suri, best known for her documentaries I for India (2005) and Around India with a Movie Camera (2018), makes a seamless transition to fiction with Santosh. The film, rich in texture and emotional depth, boasts an impressive team behind the scenes, including a haunting score by Luisa Gerstein and the sharp cinematography of Lennert Hillege.
Maxime Pozzi-Garcia’s editing elevates the film’s tense narrative structure, offering viewers a powerful, introspective thriller.
Produced by a stellar team that includes James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, and Mike Goodridge, the film’s production roster reflects an international collaboration that has co-financed the project through BBC Film, BFI, and others.
While Santosh gears up for the Oscars race, it has already left a significant mark on the global festival circuit. Notably, it is set to compete at the 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) for the Sutherland Award, which recognizes the most original and imaginative directorial debuts. This nomination not only cements Suri’s status as a rising star in world cinema but also positions Santosh among the best new films in 2024.
Alongside other impressive Indian entries, such as Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light and Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon, Santosh will compete with films from around the globe from October 9-20 at the LFF.
“Suri’s deft handling of a complex narrative shines through in Santosh, as the film navigates the moral dilemmas and deep-rooted social hierarchies of India’s caste system,” reads the LFF programme, which is already praising the film for its bold exploration of sensitive themes. The feature has also won the best first feature award at the 2024 Jerusalem Film Festival, further showcasing Suri’s extraordinary talent as a storyteller.
With accolades piling up, Santosh seems well-positioned to make a lasting impact, not just on the international film stage but also as a commentary on the real-world issues it tackles head-on. Ben Roberts, CEO of the British Film Institute, captured the essence of the festival perfectly when he said, “The real joy of LFF for me is seeing the hard work of so many talented filmmakers come to life and given the prominence and noise that they deserve.”
As the Oscars race intensifies, Santosh’s compelling narrative and timely social commentary could be what propels it forward in the competition. With the U.K. aiming for back-to-back wins in the International Feature Film category, Suri’s debut offers a deeply resonant and thrilling experience, solidifying her as a filmmaker to watch on the global stage.
Sources: Hindustan Times, BFI & Variety
