The critically acclaimed and award-winning film Santosh, directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Sandhya Suri, is set for a theatrical release across the UK on 21 March 2025. A partnership between Vertigo Releasing and Civic Studios will bring this gripping forensic thriller to British audiences following its celebrated global run.
Selected as the UK’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 2025 Academy Awards, the film has received four British Independent Film Award nominations, including Best British Independent Film, Best Screenplay, Best Debut Screenwriter, and Best Breakthrough Producer.
Santosh tells the story of a young widow who, after inheriting her late husband’s job as a police officer in rural India, is plunged into a gritty world of crime, corruption, and societal challenges. As she investigates the brutal murder of a low-caste girl under the mentorship of a seasoned female inspector, Santosh is forced to confront both the broken system around her and her own sense of identity.
The film stars Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in lead roles, with production credits spanning multiple countries. It is produced by Good Chaos in collaboration with Suitable Pictures (India), Haut Et Court (France), and Razor Film (Germany).
Debuting in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Santosh has since been featured at major festivals, including Telluride, Toronto, the BFI London Film Festival, and Tokyo FilmEx. Among its accolades, the film won Best Screenplay at the Seville European Film Festival, the Golden Frog at Camerimage, and Best First Feature at the Jerusalem Film Festival.
Speaking about the film’s UK release, Rupert Preston, CEO of Vertigo Releasing, said:
“We’re very excited to be working with Civic Studios on bringing this deeply compelling, complex, and gripping film to audiences all across the UK.”
Anushka Shah, Founder and CEO of Civic Studios, added:
“At Civic Studios, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to present Santosh here in the UK. It’s an extremely important film that is both a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and a critical deep dive into some of the most pressing social issues in India today.”
The film is backed by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and BBC Film, with a production team led by Mike Goodridge, James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, and Alan McAlex.
Santosh will be released in cinemas across the UK on 21 March 2025.
