Breaking Barriers: Sandhya Suri’s 'Santosh' Becomes UK's Oscar Contender

Sandhya Suri discusses her debut feature film 'Santosh', the UK's official Oscar entry. The film, highlighting women's roles through a political lens, revolves around female cops investigating a Dalit teenager's murder. 'Santosh' has garnered international acclaim, including screenings at Cannes and Mumbai's MAMI festival.

British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri's debut feature, 'Santosh', has been chosen as the UK's official entry to the Oscars. The film, which takes a deeply political stance, focuses on two female police officers caught up in the investigation of the rape and murder of a Dalit teenager in north India.

Suri, known for her acclaimed documentaries, conveys that 'Santosh' is a labor of intense emotional and intellectual effort. Despite the film's intricate layers, Suri wanted to avoid making it overtly didactic or militant, ensuring it remained engaging and accessible to a broad audience.

'Santosh' has already impressed at Cannes and MAMI film festivals and will be shown at the Dharamshala International Film Festival. Suri emphasizes the film's importance to Indian audiences, expressing hope for its local release while highlighting its universal appeal.

(With inputs from agencies.)