Santosh finally comes home — streaming on Lionsgate Play this October
After months of back-and-forth with India’s Censor Board, Santosh — the UK’s official entry for the Oscars — is finally coming to Indian screens. The Hindi-language social drama, directed by Sandhya Suri and led by the brilliant Shahana Goswami, will premiere on Lionsgate Play on October 17, 2025.
The film, which had its world premiere at Cannes 2024 in the prestigious Un Certain Regard category, has been praised for its raw portrayal of caste-based crimes and the moral complexities within India’s law enforcement system.
From Cannes applause to censorship chaos
While Santosh earned international acclaim — even making it to the Oscar and BAFTA shortlists — Indian audiences never got to see it on the big screen.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly demanded heavy edits related to police brutality, caste discrimination, and religious bias — all central themes of the film. These demands effectively halted its theatrical release.
Director Sandhya Suri called the situation “disappointing and heartbreaking,” saying the requested changes would have “compromised the integrity of the film.
“It was surprising because these issues aren’t new to Indian cinema,” Suri told The Telegraph.
Actor Sunita Rajwar, who plays a tough cop in the film, described the move as a “ban,” pointing out that the board’s changes were practically impossible to implement.
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What Santosh is all about
At its heart, Santosh tells the story of a young widow who inherits her late husband’s job in the police force. What begins as a symbolic posting soon turns into a moral test as she investigates the rape and murder of a Dalit child.
Through Santosh’s journey, the film sheds light on the deep-rooted social inequalities, systemic bias, and silent resilience of women who work within oppressive structures.
A voice that refuses to stay silent
In a powerful post, Lionsgate Play described the film’s upcoming release saying:
“This Diwali, Santosh finally speaks — a story India has been waiting for.”
The streaming platform added that the movie is “not a tale of heroism, but of survival — of women who find strength one quiet choice at a time.”
Lead actor Shahana Goswami shared her excitement, saying she’s relieved Indian audiences will “finally get to watch the film” that has been celebrated worldwide.
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Why this OTT release matters
For many cinephiles, Santosh represents more than just another film release. It’s a rare example of an Indian story told through a global lens — one that challenges uncomfortable truths about caste, gender, and institutional power.
With its digital debut on October 17, Santosh will reach the audience it was always meant for — right here at home.
