“Santosh,” a Hindi-language crime drama directed by Sandhya Suri, has garnered significant attention since its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024. The film is a collaborative effort among production houses from the United Kingdom, India, Germany, and France, including Good Chaos, Haut et Court, BBC Film, ZDF/Arte, Suitable Pictures, Razor Films Produktion, and the BFI.
Santosh Movie Cast:
- Shahana Goswami as Santosh Saini: A 28-year-old widow who steps into her late husband’s role as a police constable, confronting societal challenges and personal grief.
- Sunita Rajwar as Geeta Sharma: A supportive figure in Santosh’s life, offering guidance and camaraderie.
- Sanjay Bishnoi as Beniwal: A fellow officer who collaborates with Santosh during the investigation.
- Kushal Dubey as Vikram: A character integral to the unfolding narrative.
- Nawal Shukla as Thakur: A prominent figure in the village, adding depth to the storyline.
- Pratibha Awasthi as Priya: A character whose story intertwines with the central plot.
Storyline:
Set in rural northern India, “Santosh” follows the journey of Santosh Saini, a young widow who inherits her late husband’s position as a police constable. Her resolve is tested when she is assigned to investigate the murder of a young girl in her village. As she delves deeper into the case, Santosh confronts entrenched societal norms, personal grief, and the complexities of her new role. The film poignantly portrays her transformation from a grieving widow to a determined law enforcer, challenging patriarchal structures and seeking justice against formidable odds.
Production Details:
Principal photography spanned 45 days between August and October 2023 in and around Lucknow, India. The film’s visual narrative was captured by cinematographer Lennert Hillege, with editing by Maxime Pozzi-Garcia. Luisa Gerstein composed the evocative score, enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
Budget and Box Office:
Produced on a budget of $2.5 million, “Santosh” has achieved a box office collection of approximately $1.1 million. The film’s international appeal is evident through its selection as the United Kingdom’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
Critical Reception:
“Santosh” has been met with critical acclaim:
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 100% approval rating based on 31 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10.
- Metacritic: It has a weighted score of 77 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews.
Critics have lauded Shahana Goswami’s compelling performance and Sandhya Suri’s nuanced direction, highlighting the film’s authentic portrayal of rural India’s socio-cultural landscape.
Accolades:
Beyond its Cannes premiere, “Santosh” was named one of the top five international films of 2024 by the National Board of Review. It has also been selected for the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, competing in the South Asia Competition section.
Conclusion:
“Santosh” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing societal issues and championing women’s empowerment. With its Indian theatrical release scheduled for January 10, 2025, the film is poised to resonate with audiences, offering a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally compelling.
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