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'

Acclaimed police drama Santosh starring Shahana Goswami, premieres on Lionsgate Play October 17. The film, acclaimed globally and a UK Oscar entry, faced a theatrical release block.

Santosh poster

With Shahana Goswami at the helm, the critically acclaimed police procedural drama Santosh will premiere online on October 17 on India's Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium). After receiving rave reviews throughout the world since its 2024 Cannes Film Festival world premiere, this is the first time Indian fans will have the chance to see the critically acclaimed film.

Santosh overview and core themes

Santosh is an Indo-British co-production that Sandhya Suri wrote and directed. It delves into the intricate web of gender, caste, and power in rural North India. An emotionally charged woman named Santosh takes up the role of her late husband's police constable post through a compassionate appointment, a common procedure in certain regions of India.

Investigation into the rape and murder of a Dalit teenager turns Santosh's symbolic appointment to the police force into a grave mission. Santosh, along with Sunita Rajwar's Inspector Geeta Sharma, faces an institutional environment where powerful people influence the court system, deep-seated prejudice conceals evidence, and power structures protect offenders. The protagonist's subdued presence becomes a statement against society's complicity in these systemic ills, and the film's frank depiction of these topics has garnered praise.

ALSO READ: Oscars 2025: Santosh makes it to the top 15 in International Feature Film category - Here's everything we know so far

Shahana Goswami on the film's meaning

Goswami spoke about the film's domestic release, praising the crew and sharing a personal anecdote about her involvement with the project. The actor said in a statement, "Santosh is a film that is very close to my heart. A beautifully written story, depicted truthfully, holding up a mirror to us of the world we live in, that we have all helped create. Sandhya Suri, the writer and director, has crafted something so meaningful and touching. The film has been shown all over the world, starting its journey at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, and has been greatly appreciated by critics and the public alike."

Goswami gave special praise to Rajwar, who co-starred with her. The actor added, "All the actors in Santosh are brilliant, but I will especially speak of Sunita Rajwar, who has done an excellent job playing a very complex character. It was a joy working with her and watching her become Geeta Sharma. You will see her in a completely new avatar. I cannot wait for everyone in India to finally be able to watch the film."

Theatrical release conflict with CBFC

It took a long time for the film to make it to Indian theatres. The plans to distribute it in theatres in January 2025 were reportedly shelved because of a disagreement with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The censor board and the producers reportedly reached a stalemate over images perceived to depict casteism, misogyny, and police violence. Reports indicate that the cancellation of the theatrical launch resulted from the directors' refusal to implement the severe changes.

Premiering in Cannes's esteemed Un Certain Regard section, Santosh went on to win widespread acclaim and serve as the official entry for the UK in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Coming to Indian audiences on October 17, 2025, the police procedural thriller will make its streaming debut on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).

FAQs:

Q: When and where will the film Santosh be released on OTT?

A: The internationally acclaimed film Santosh will premiere on the OTT platform Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) on October 17, 2025.

Q: Who is the director of the film Santosh?

A: The film Santosh is directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri.

Q: Who are the main actors in Santosh alongside Shahana Goswami?

A: Shahana Goswami stars in the titular role of Santosh, and the film also features Sunita Rajwar (known for Panchayat) in a critical role as Inspector Geeta Sharma.

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