Filmmaker Sandhya Suri has voiced her frustration following the abrupt halt of her critically acclaimed film Santosh’s digital premiere in India. The movie, which was set to stream on Lionsgate Play on October 17, was suddenly pulled back just before its debut.
Director Sandhya Suri Calls Decision “A Real Shame”
Expressing disappointment, Suri said, “The process in India is that the censor board (CBFC) may ask you to make cuts for a theatrical release. The cuts they asked for were not acceptable to me or my team. We could not make those cuts as they compromised the integrity of the film too profoundly.”
The director emphasized that her creative stance remains firm even for the streaming version, adding that she does not wish to alter the film’s core message or artistic vision.
Censorship Concerns And Streaming Challenges
According to Suri, while streaming platforms are not legally bound by censorship rules, the environment has become increasingly cautious.
“The objections I had to cuts for the theatrical release remain my objections for a streaming release,” she stated. “The streamers don’t need, by law, to have censorship status to show films. But perhaps this is about an environment in which streamers take on certain objections of their own accord for a harmonious universe.”
Piracy Concerns After Premiere Cancellation
Suri also warned that the sudden reversal might unintentionally fuel piracy.
“It was announced and now we’re un-announcing, so a lot more people are going to watch it in some other form,” she said. “My wish is for the film to be distributed legitimately and uncut in India.”
About The Film ‘Santosh’
Set in rural India, Santosh follows a widowed police constable, portrayed by Shahana Goswami, who takes over her late husband’s job and becomes entangled in a complex murder investigation. The film is produced by Good Chaos, with co-producers Razor Film and Haut et Court, and backed by BFI and BBC Film.
The film also gained international attention as the UK’s official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 97th Academy Awards.
