The UK has submitted Santosh, a Hindi-language crime thriller directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, as its official entry for the 2025 Oscars’ International Feature Film category. The film stars Shahana Goswami as a recently widowed woman caught up in a young girl’s murder investigation. Set in Lucknow, Santosh has gained international praise for its gripping storyline and emotional depth.
Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor reacted to the submission on social media calling it “utterly astonishing” for the UK to send a Hindi-language film with an Indian cast. Filmmakers, including Leena Manimekalai, have praised the film, with Manimekalai expressing how deeply moved she was by the emotions conveyed in Santosh. The film has already made waves after its Cannes Film Festival premiere earlier this year.
With the Oscars shortlist set to be announced on 17 December, Santosh will compete against Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, India’s official entry. Sandhya Suri is known for her previous work, including the BAFTA-nominated short The Field. The film’s success marks a significant moment for UK cinema’s global representation.
