Filmmaker Sandhya Suri’s debut film, Santosh, has made international headlines for its raw and powerful depiction of a female police officer navigating India’s caste and gender hierarchies. Premiering at Cannes 2024, the film tells the story of a woman who struggles to uphold justice while facing corruption, misogyny, and caste-based discrimination in the police force.
Inspired by real-life experiences, Santosh portrays the harsh realities of law enforcement, gender bias, and systemic power abuse. The protagonist, a lower-caste policewoman, finds herself caught in a web of ethical dilemmas, social expectations, and institutional violence—issues that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Despite its critical acclaim, the film has faced censorship challenges in India, with authorities concerned over its unflinching portrayal of corruption and gender-based violence. However, it has received global recognition as an important contribution to socially conscious cinema, bringing crucial women’s issues to the forefront.
With Santosh, Sandhya Suri joins a growing list of filmmakers challenging patriarchal narratives and highlighting women’s struggles in India, reinforcing cinema’s role as a tool for awareness and social change.