Indian censor board blocks Shahana Goswami’s Oscar-shortlisted film ‘Santosh’ from release in India due to controversial subject matter
The acclaimed film, tackling caste violence and police brutality, faces a theatrical ban in India despite international recognition.
The highly anticipated film Santosh, which gained international recognition and was the UK’s official entry for the Oscars, has been denied a theatrical release in India. The decision by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sparked debate over censorship and the challenges faced by filmmakers tackling social issues.
Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, Santosh tells the story of a young widow who joins the police force and is assigned to investigate the murder of a Dalit girl. The film sheds light on caste discrimination, police brutality, gender violence, and Islamophobia, all topics that remain contentious in India.
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The CBFC reportedly demanded numerous cuts that would significantly alter the film’s message, leading the filmmakers to reject the changes. Actor Shahana Goswami, who plays the lead, expressed disappointment over the situation, revealing that while the film had been approved at the script stage, it was later blocked due to its sensitive content.
Despite its rejection in India, Santosh has been well received internationally. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival and was shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. It also received a BAFTA nomination for Best Debut Feature, with Goswami winning Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards.
Despite global recognition, ‘Santosh’ struggles for a release in India amid debates over artistic freedom and censorshipInstagram/ShahanaGoswami
Interestingly, Santosh was filmed entirely in India, featuring an Indian cast and addressing issues deeply rooted in the country’s socio-political fabric. However, its critical portrayal of law enforcement and systemic discrimination led to its censorship ultimately raising concerns about artistic freedom.
Shahana Goswami attends the Santosh photocall at the 77th Cannes Film Festival at Palais des FestivalsGetty Images
The rejection of Santosh is not an isolated case though. Indian filmmakers have long struggled with censorship when dealing with politically sensitive topics. While films tackling similar themes have been released in the past, Santosh seems to have struck a nerve due to its unfiltered storytelling and morally complex characters.
Indian actress Shahana Goswami wins Best Actress at the 18th Asian Film Awards on March 16, 2025, in Hong KongGetty Images
Director Sandhya Suri expressed her frustration, questioning why a film that had already cleared script approval faced roadblocks at the final stage. “It was important for me that the people impacted by these issues get to see the film,” she said.
While Santosh remains unavailable in Indian cinemas, it has found a home on the streaming platform MUBI, allowing audiences to watch it outside the theatrical framework. Whether the film will ever see a domestic release remains uncertain, but its journey actually brings to light the ongoing struggle between artistic expression and censorship in Indian cinema.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.