Hindi film 'Santosh' is UK's official entry for Oscars 2025

Just two days after Laapataa Ladies was announced as India’s official entry for the Oscars, another Hindi film, Santosh, has been selected by the UK as their contender for the Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars. Directed by Sandhya Suri, Santosh is a gripping police procedural drama that stars Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in pivotal roles. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, earning critical acclaim.

Santosh became eligible for the UK’s selection after its wide release there, coupled with backing from British producers. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), which is responsible for choosing the UK’s submission, selected Santosh for its hard-hitting narrative and standout performances. The film is produced by Mike Goodridge, James Bowsher, Balthazar de Ganay, and Alan McAlex, with support from the BFI and BBC Film, and co-production by Razor Film and Haut et Court.

Written and directed by Suri, the film follows Santosh, a newly widowed woman in rural Northern India who inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable. As she adjusts to her new life, she becomes entangled in the investigation of a young girl’s murder, bringing to light the complexities of justice in her community.

With Santosh and Laapataa Ladies both in the running, they will now compete with numerous films from around the globe for one of five coveted nomination slots. The final nominees will be announced by the Academy in January 2025.