Crime Thriller Santosh Earns BAFTA Nomination

India-West Staff Reporter

LOS ANGELES, CA – Santosh Earns BAFTA Nomination and Advances on Oscars Shortlist

The critically acclaimed film Santosh has garnered a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, while also advancing to the shortlist for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Written and directed by Sandhya Suri, the film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, earning widespread praise.

Suri described the BAFTA nomination as “a wonderful honor,” reflecting on the decade-long journey to bring her ambitious debut to life. Filmed during the peak of an Indian summer, Suri noted the challenges of the production but expressed hope that the recognition would encourage audiences to experience the film when it releases in the UK this March.

Currently playing in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles, Santosh is set to expand to additional U.S. cities on January 31. However, its release in India remains uncertain due to pending certification clearance.

Set in rural India, Santosh tells the story of a young widow who unexpectedly inherits her late husband’s position as a police officer. As she adjusts to the role, she becomes involved in the investigation of a low-caste girl’s murder. The case exposes her to systemic corruption while driving her personal transformation. The film masterfully combines the tension of a police procedural with themes of social justice and individual empowerment.

The cast features Shahana Goswami in the titular role, delivering a nuanced performance as a woman grappling with power and morality in a male-dominated profession. Sunita Rajwar shines as Inspector Sharma, Santosh’s mentor, whose moral complexities add depth to the story.