Synopsis
Newly widowed Santosh Saini inherits her late husband’s post as a police constable in rural northern India through a compassionate recruitment scheme. Tasked with investigating the
disappearance and subsequent murder of Devika, a low-caste teenager, she confronts systemic corruption, sexism, and caste prejudice within the local police. Her mentor, veteran
Inspector Geeta Sharma, challenges the patriarchal order as they uncover institutional failures.
Context and Craft
Originally conceived as a documentary about sexual violence, director Sandhya Suri pivoted to a focused, pared-down crime narrative after seeing images from the 2012 Delhi gang-rape
protests. Known for documentaries – I For India, Around India With a Movie Camera – Suri’s film is a gritty, minimalist neo-noir, with restrained, muted performances and stark visuals that
reinforce realism. Santosh explores the intersections of caste, gender, colonial policing legacy, and communal violence.
Critical Reception
Cannes 2024, nominated for Un Certain Regard prize; BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut; won Seville European Film Festival Best Screenplay. Selected as the UK’s entry for Best
International Feature at the 97th Oscars, and made the shortlist. Named in the National Board of Review Top 5 International Films 2024:
- Variety: “fiercely feminist empowerment saga…arias of religion and caste…
deconstructs police power fantasy”. - The Hollywood Reporter: “clear-eyed, moving indictment of New India… subtle
generational dynamic” - Sight & Sound/BFI: “neo-noir… exposes systemic corruption… masculine
predation” - IndieWire: “master class in subtlety… assertion of power in stratified society”.
Conclusion
Sandhya Suri’s Santosh melds intimate character exploration and sharp procedural realism to critique institutional injustices in contemporary India. Through Santosh’s quiet internal
struggle—between surviving as a widow, asserting authority in a male-dominated system, and confronting prejudice—the film highlights the paradox of empowerment within oppressive
frameworks. Its director’s history of documentary filmmaking lends it an unvarnished visual style and deliberate pacing that amplify its authenticity, making it a poignant meditation on power, caste, and gender.
Audience Rating: 7.79
Audience Comments:
- Very disturbing. Realistic scenes of India.
- Need time to process it.
- Intriguing insight into police corruption/butchery.
- Realistic film inbetween a documentary and a feature.
- Very interesting portrayal of what life is like for the majority of Indians compared to the elite.
- A sombre watch.