In an unprecedented move, the United Kingdom has selected a Hindi-language film as its official submission for the Best International Feature category at the Oscars, marking a first in British cinematic history. The film in question is the narrative feature debut by British-Indian documentarian Sandhya Suri, titled Santosh. This endeavor is a gripping police thriller set in Uttar Pradesh and has remarkably traversed the geographical and cultural landscape to achieve such a distinguished recognition.
Contrary to any assumptions of subcontinental films being novel contenders for this accolade, it should be noted that Santosh isn’t the first film from that region to receive this honor from the U.K. Previously, in 2017, Sarmad Masud’s Urdu-language film My Pure Land, described as “a modern-day feminist Western set in Pakistan,” served as the U.K.’s Oscar submission. However, this does not overshadow the significant journey that Santosh has traveled to arrive at its current standing.
Sandhya Suri candidly expresses her aspirations and subsequent joy regarding the film’s selection. “I was really hoping we would be the U.K. entry, but as a filmmaker, I prefer not to second-guess outcomes we have no control over,” Suri articulates with measured optimism, adding that she experienced an elated celebratory moment upon confirmation.
Shahana Goswami, the esteemed lead of the film, conveys her own sentiments. She was informed merely a day before the public announcement that the United Kingdom had entrusted its Oscar hopes with Santosh. While acknowledging its British production roots, Goswami passionately underscores the film’s deep Indian connections. “Santosh is an Indian co-production made with an Indian cast and a partly Indian crew by an Indian-origin filmmaker telling an Indian story,” she states. However, Goswami also emphasizes the complexity of cinematic appropriation, noting the importance of celebrating a story set in and involving talent from India that has reached such international heights.
On a personal level, this role holds significant weight for Goswami. “The film,” she reflects, “is hugely shouldered by my character. I’ve always wanted to do more of this.
… It’s been 10 years since [Rubaiyat Hossain’s Bangladeshi film] Under Construction, where I was involved in every frame.”
Santosh has already experienced commercial success during its theatrical run in France, following its premiere at Cannes. This Oscar nod now extends its prospects for broader distribution. “We are fortunate,” Suri remarks, “to have had an extraordinary run in France, drawing near 150,000 entries and maintaining a solid position over two months at the box office.” She emphasizes the importance of distributing the film in both India and the U.K., countries with which she feels a profound connection.
Sunita Rajwar, another pivotal actor in Santosh, who portrays a seasoned policewoman alongside Goswami’s character, reflects on the film’s destiny for greatness. “We knew all along that Santosh would not be an average police drama,” Rajwar asserts, sharing insight into the audition process that she and Goswami underwent to ensure their on-screen chemistry, a testament to Suri’s clear vision for the project.
Suri, who often visits India, was acutely aware of the imperative to depict sensitive social issues, such as violence against women, in a meaningful and accurate manner. Her intricate approach to filmmaking involves a rigorous process of inquiry, a method she attributes to the extensive time her projects require.
Reflecting the nature of today’s global arthouse cinema, Santosh is a collaborative effort involving BBC Film and partners from France, Germany, and India. It faces competition from numerous other multicultural films vying for Oscar nominations, each bringing their own diverse narratives and linguistic tapestries to the forefront.
Despite the competitive landscape, Santosh’s selection as the U.K. entry is a monumental achievement, underscored by the hope that it might replicate the success of the U.K.’s 2023 submission, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, which garnered the Best International Feature Oscar, becoming the first non-English British film to achieve this.
Will Santosh follow in its footsteps? Only time will tell, but the journey itself stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of global cinema.
