Santosh OTT India Release Halted Over Censorship Disputes

Sandhya Suri’s critically acclaimed film Santosh, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and was released in the US and UK, has faced repeated censorship issues in India, delaying both its theatrical and digital releases. The film, starring Shahana Goswami as a widow who takes over her late husband’s police role to investigate a crime, was denied theatrical release due to demands for cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) that the director found unacceptable as they compromised the film’s integrity. Despite streamers in India not legally requiring censorship clearance, the OTT release on Lionsgate Play scheduled for October 17, 2025, was also paused at the last moment, reportedly due to similar objections and an environment where platforms self-impose restrictions. Suri expressed disappointment over the censorship and the streaming delay, warning that this could drive audiences toward piracy since many viewers are already accessing the film unofficially. She emphasized her wish for Santosh to be distributed legally and uncut in India, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by filmmakers addressing sensitive topics. The film has garnered international acclaim, including nominations and awards, but remains unavailable officially to Indian audiences.