Recently, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s decision to block the release of the Sandhya Suri directorial, ‘Santosh,’ left many in shock. The decision has also sparked a debate about censorship and creative freedom in Indian cinema. As the film's release hangs in the balance, Suri also expressed her frustration. Let’s delve into the details through this article.
CBFC Blocks Release of ‘Santosh’ Over Portrayal of Police Brutality
The CBFC has recently blocked the release of British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri's movie, ‘Santosh,’ in India, citing concerns over its portrayal of police brutality, misogyny, and Islamophobia. The film, which has won several international awards, including a nomination for Best Debut Feature at the BAFTA Awards, has been deemed unsuitable for Indian audiences due to its sensitive content.
Film’s Theme
Set in North India, the film follows the story of a young widow who joins the police force to investigate the murder of a Dalit girl. The film tackles pressing issues such as caste discrimination, police brutality, sexual violence, and Islamophobia. Despite its bold themes, the film has been celebrated internationally, and also premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
CBFC Demands Extensive Cuts
The sources suggest that the CBFC has requested widespread cuts to the film, which might result in fundamentally altering its core message and vision. Director Sandhya Suri expressed her frustration with the CBFC's demands, stating that the requested cuts were 'impossible' to implement. “It was very important to me that the film be released in India, so I did try to figure out if there was a way to make it work. But in the end, it was just too difficult to make those cuts and have a film that still made sense, let alone stayed true to its vision,” she told The Guardian.
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She also said, “It was surprising for all of us because I didn’t feel that these issues were particularly new to Indian cinema or hadn’t been raised before by other films. Maybe there’s something about this film which is troubling in that everybody is morally compromised, and there is no single hero,” suggest reports.
Missed Opportunity for Indian Audiences?
Despite the CBFC's block, ‘Santosh’ is currently available for streaming on MUBI in India. However, the film's theatrical release has been stalled, depriving Indian audiences of the opportunity to experience it on the big screen. As the debate around censorship and creative freedom continues, the film still remains a powerful example of the importance of artistic expression and the need for filmmakers to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
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