All About Santosh Full Movie (2024) – Review, Plot, Cast, Release Date, and Controversy

The 2024 film Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri, has become one of the most talked-about social drama thrillers of the year. With a gripping storyline, hard-hitting themes on caste and gender bias, and powerful performances, this film stands out as more than just entertainment—it’s a reality check on India’s social justice system.

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Introduction – Why Santosh Movie is a Must-Watch

If you love movies that dig deeper than just action and romance, Santosh will keep you glued to the screen. It’s an emotional yet intense police procedural drama that exposes caste discrimination, misogyny, and systemic corruption in India. No wonder it’s making waves globally.

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Key Details About Santosh Movie

Movie Name, Director, Genre, and Release

• Title: Santosh (2024)
  
• Director: Sandhya Suri
  
• Genre: Crime Drama, Social Realism
  
• Language: Hindi
  
• Runtime: 124 minutes
  
• World Premiere: Cannes Film Festival (May 20, 2024)
  
• UK & Ireland Release: March 21, 2025
  
• India Release: Censored and later banned in 2025
  

IMDb Rating and Audience Response

• IMDb: 7.9/10 (Highly rated by critics and viewers)
  
• Rotten Tomatoes: 100% critics score
  Audiences have praised its realism, strong performances, and bold commentary on caste and gender injustice.
  

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Santosh Movie Plot Summary

The Beginning – Life After Loss

The movie follows Santosh Saini, a young widow whose husband, a police constable, is killed during a riot. Through India’s “compassionate appointment” policy, she inherits his job in a rural police station—a world she knows nothing about.

The Dalit Teenager’s Murder Case

Shortly after joining, Santosh witnesses the apathy towards the rape and murder of a Dalit teenage girl, Devika. The victim’s family is ignored because of their caste, highlighting how marginalized communities are denied justice.

Police Brutality and Santosh’s Inner Struggle

Santosh is dragged into brutal police interrogations. When a suspect, Saleem, dies under custody despite his innocence, Santosh faces a moral crisis—should she conform to a corrupt system or fight for truth?

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Cast and Performances

Shahana Goswami as Santosh Saini

Goswami delivers a powerhouse performance. She portrays grief, helplessness, and a quiet strength that slowly evolves into defiance.

Sunita Rajwar as Inspector Geeta Sharma

Rajwar plays a complex mentor figure who teaches Santosh the harsh survival rules of being a woman in the force while remaining part of a flawed system.

Supporting Characters and Realism

Local non-actors and background performers give the film a documentary-like authenticity, making it feel almost too real.

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Themes and Social Issues Highlighted in Santosh

Caste Discrimination and Dalit Justice

The movie brutally exposes how caste hierarchy still dictates whose voices are heard in India’s justice system.

Gender Inequality in the Police Force

Being a female constable isn’t empowering when the workplace is toxic and patriarchal. Santosh constantly battles sexism within her own department.

Islamophobia and Institutional Corruption

The story highlights scapegoating minorities and using fear politics to protect the powerful while the innocent suffer.

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Direction and Cinematography

Sandhya Suri’s Unique Storytelling

Suri’s narrative avoids melodrama, instead opting for quiet realism that makes the story hit harder.

Documentary-Like Visual Style

Natural lighting, long unbroken shots, and crowded, suffocating frames make the audience feel Santosh’s pressure and helplessness.

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Critical Reception and Awards

Global Festival Premieres

The film debuted in the “Un Certain Regard” section at Cannes 2024, receiving a standing ovation for its strong social message.

Accolades and Rotten Tomatoes Score

With 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Santosh has been named one of the best films of 2024 by major outlets like Vogue and IndieWire. It has also received BAFTA and European Film Award nominations.

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The Controversy Around Santosh Movie

Indian Censor Board Ban

Despite international praise, the movie was banned in India in March 2025, allegedly for showing caste violence, police brutality, and religious bias “negatively.”

Debates on Depicting Harsh Realities

Critics argue the ban silences important conversations about casteism and women’s safety in India’s real policing system.

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Why Santosh Movie is a Game-Changer in Indian Cinema

A Bold Female-Led Police Drama

Indian cinema rarely gives space to women-led crime thrillers. Santosh changes that with a gritty, grounded approach.

Realistic Portrayal of Injustice

This isn’t just another Bollywood cop movie. It’s raw, thought-provoking, and painfully real.

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Conclusion – The Impact of Santosh

Santosh isn’t easy to watch, but it’s essential viewing. It speaks truth to power, holding up a mirror to India’s caste system, misogyny, and broken policing. With stellar performances and an unflinching narrative, it’s a milestone in socially conscious cinema.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the Santosh movie about?
It follows a widowed woman who inherits her husband’s police job and faces caste-based injustice, corruption, and brutality during a murder investigation.

Q2: Who is the director of Santosh?
Sandhya Suri, a filmmaker known for blending realism and fiction, directed the movie.

Q3: Why was Santosh banned in India?
The Indian censor board reportedly banned it for showing caste violence, police brutality, and Islamophobia, calling it “sensitive content.”

Q4: Is Santosh based on a true story?
While not based on one specific case, it’s inspired by real social issues like caste discrimination and compassionate job appointments.

Q5: Where can I watch Santosh?
The movie premiered internationally at Cannes and is available in select theaters in Europe. Streaming release details are expected soon.