Santosh

"There are two kinds of untouchables; those you don't want to touch, and those who can't be touched."

When a police officer is killed, his wife - Santosh - is trained to take his place. It is merely a ceremonial act in a police station in rural Northern India that is overwhelmingly male and traditional. Then a girl is raped, tortured, and her body dumped in a public square. The brazen crime isn't even investigated. Since the girl is from a poor family who can't read, they are ignored. It is then that something inside Santosh is triggered. Her task seems far from impossible, and yet public pressure builds and doors open that she never expected.

"The girl wore jeans and baited him."

The underground of India is revealed in this tense, observant, heart twisting, and powerful film. There is a glimpse of the justice system that prioritizes convictions by any means and ignores the real victims and perps. The film first surfaced at Cannes, and I saw it with director Sandhya Suri at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is all very moving. The film's spectacular imagery stays with me; the earrings of the dead girl, her face in the mirror, a lovely couple together, a girl selling biscuits, and a passing train.

Sandhya Suri's Santosh is not just a film-it's an experience. A searing, meticulously crafted drama, it explores power, gender, and caste violence with a rare blend of nuance and intensity. This is award-worthy cinema, driven by razor-sharp storytelling and top-tier performances.

The film follows a woman who, after her husband's death, is appointed as a police constable. What follows is an unflinching look at the systemic casual sexism within the force and the grim realities of caste-based violence. Suri's direction is exceptional, layering the narrative with biting satire and small but powerful details that add authenticity. Every frame serves a purpose, every moment feels earned.

I know for the fact that no one will appreciate this type of cinema in india, there are only a handful of films that has manage to blend social commentary with gripping storytelling as effectively as Santosh.

This is a cinematic art that should be praised.

I will go with 9/10 for this one.

Santosh is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends genres, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and mind. The film weaves together rich storytelling, compelling characters, and breathtaking visuals in a way that few others can. What sets Santosh apart is its ability to capture the essence of human emotion, from moments of joy to the most painful of experiences, with an authenticity that resonates deeply.

The performances are extraordinary, with the lead actor delivering a powerful, nuanced portrayal that keeps you invested in their journey. Every scene feels intentional, whether it's a quiet moment of reflection or a pivotal turning point. The direction is brilliant, making each frame feel like a work of art, beautifully framed and shot.

The score adds another layer of depth, elevating the emotional impact of the film without ever overpowering the storytelling. From start to finish, Santosh takes you on an unforgettable journey, challenging your perceptions while reminding you of the power of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

With its masterful combination of direction, acting, and an unforgettable narrative, Santosh is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. It's the kind of movie that reminds you why cinema is such a powerful medium - to touch hearts, provoke thought, and inspire change.

A gripping, engaging, and naked depiction of reality of the society, it's casteism and how this thing affects the lives of people... Narration wise, acting wise, technical wise a brilliant movie. A gripping, engaging, and naked depiction of reality of the society, it's casteism and how this thing affects the lives of people... Narration wise, acting wise, technical wise a brilliant movie. A gripping, engaging, and naked depiction of reality of the society, it's casteism and how this thing affects the lives of people... Narration wise, acting wise, technical wise a brilliant movie. A gripping, engaging, and naked depiction of reality of the society, it's casteism and how this thing affects the lives of people... Narration wise, acting wise, technical wise a brilliant movie.

There are 2 type of untouchables: one no one wants to touch. Second no one can touch them.

Above dialogue aptly shows the indian society structure or we can say the power structure of our country. There is no justice for the poor.

Acting wise , both lead actresses are damn good. I wouldve loved to see them in a web series together.

Plot was good, but the main important point of film is its tone. It no where uses too much of filmy tropes, remains simple, and tries to show more of raw and real scenes from such stories.

After seeing such films i feel, we are sill very behind. Power is still with few people while rest just survive and live somehow. They dont expect anything from police or from government. No one wants them except at the time of elections.