Santosh on OTT: Shahana Goswami's controversial film postponed, tumultuous journey to Indian screens continue

Critically acclaimed Santosh had its streaming release on Lionsgate Play suddenly delayed indefinitely (from Oct 17, 2025). The film, which addresses sensitive social issues, faced prior CBFC issues.

Santosh poster

The digital release of the much-anticipated, critically praised picture Santosh in India has been abruptly pushed back on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium), just two days before its originally scheduled debut. The distributor has now announced an indefinite delay, meaning that the highly acclaimed police procedural drama will not be available for streaming on October 17, 2025. The unexpected change in plans has left Indian audiences, who were excited to see the film at last, bewildered, and no official explanation has been given.

Santosh's troubled road

The film's already turbulent road to reach Indian fans has taken an even more difficult turn with the postponement. As the official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, Santosh—helmed by Sandhya Suri and featuring Shahana Goswami in the lead role alongside Sunita Rajwar—premiered at the esteemed 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. Internationally, the film garnered positive reviews, yet its theatrical release in India faced several challenges. One of these was an early impasse with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The filmmakers allegedly refused to execute the CBFC's demands for major changes to scenes exposing gender violence, caste dynamics, and police brutality to protect the integrity of their work.

For local cinephiles, the producers' move to an OTT platform like Lionsgate Play was a relief, and it was a win for the producers. A 'homecoming' for a story set in rural North India that discusses the harsh realities of caste, gender, and power through the eyes of Santosh, a recently assigned female police constable, was promised by the announcement of the October 17 date, which brought months of uncertainty to an end.

ALSO READ: Shahana Goswami on OTT release of Santosh in India: 'Film holds up a mirror to us of the world we live in, that we have all helped create'

Santosh plot overview

In this film, we follow Santosh as she takes over her late husband's police job and finds herself entangled in the case of a Dalit teen's rape and murder. Much praise goes to the story for its raw, unfiltered look at institutionalised corruption and the pervasive biases that cover up the crimes.

Santosh is "a beautifully written story, depicted truthfully, holding up a mirror to us of the world we live in," Goswami had said lately, adding that she "cannot wait for everyone in India to finally be able to watch the film." She went on to say that she was excited for the digital release.

Disappointment and renewed debate over censorship

The indefinite hold on Lionsgate Play's (OTTplay Premium) debut has left spectators disappointed in the short term. Neither the OTT platform nor the production companies have released a statement explaining the delay or giving a new release date as of October 15, 2025. Despite the prevalence of digital streaming platforms that provide an alternative to conventional forms of censorship, this unanticipated delay has rekindled discussions over the challenges socially aware film has in India in reaching its target audience. Now the industry is waiting for an official statement explaining the delay and confirming a new date for the film's domestic release.

FAQs:

Q: Why was the digital release of Santosh postponed on Lionsgate Play?

A: The digital release of Santosh on Lionsgate Play, originally scheduled for October 17, 2025, has been indefinitely postponed. The distributor has not provided an official reason for the sudden delay, leaving the audience and industry observers confused just two days before the premiere.

Q: Where and when will the film Santosh finally release in India?

A: The film Santosh was scheduled for release on the OTT platform Lionsgate Play in India. However, the release has been indefinitely delayed from its original date of October 17, 2025. A definitive new date and time for its domestic debut have not yet been announced.

Q: Was Santosh recognized internationally?

A: Yes, Santosh has received significant global recognition. It premiered at the prestigious 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and was selected as the United Kingdom’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars).

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