Shahana Goswami’s Santosh Shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars

Actress Shahana Goswami is on cloud nine as her film Santosh has made it to the prestigious shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards. The Hindi-language drama, set in rural north India, is an international co-production that has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Sharing her joy on social media, Shahana expressed her gratitude for the recognition, especially to the film's visionary writer-director, Sandhya Suri. "So happy for the team, especially our writer-director Sandhya Suri, for this little glory of recognition for our film Santosh! How incredible to be shortlisted from amongst 85 films. Thank you to everyone who loved it, supported it, and voted for it,” she wrote, her excitement palpable.

 

Directed by Sandhya Suri in her feature film debut, Santosh is a compelling exploration of societal norms and institutional corruption. Shahana plays the titular character, a young Hindu widow who unexpectedly inherits her late husband's job as a police constable through a government scheme. As she steps into this role, she is thrust into a world of corruption and systemic challenges while investigating a brutal murder case involving a Dalit teenage girl. The story navigates the intersection of power, caste, and gender in rural India, making it a timely and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

 

The film also stars Sunita Rajwar as the tough, experienced Inspector Sharma, whose rough exterior hides a deep sense of justice and compassion. Their unlikely partnership forms the emotional core of the film, as the young widow and the seasoned detective work together to uncover the truth behind the murder. Santosh is a bold narrative that critiques the status quo while offering a deeply human story about resilience, power, and the pursuit of justice.

 

Santosh marks the directorial debut of Sandhya Suri, an acclaimed documentarian known for her previous works, I for India (2005) and Around India with a Movie Camera (2018). Suri's documentary background brings a unique realism and sensitivity to her first feature film. The production team includes Luisa Gerstein, who composed the film's haunting score, cinematographer Lennert Hillege, and editor Maxime Pozzi-Garcia, all of whom have contributed to creating a powerful visual and emotional experience.

 

With Santosh now in the running for Best International Feature Film, the film’s recognition is a testament to the strength of Indian independent cinema and the importance of telling untold stories from diverse perspectives. The Academy's shortlist includes films from around the world, but Santosh stands out for its unflinching portrayal of caste, gender, and the deep-seated corruption within societal structures.

 

As the Academy Awards approach, the excitement surrounding Santosh's nomination continues to build. For Shahana Goswami, this recognition is not just a personal triumph but a powerful acknowledgment of the film’s global impact. With her gripping performance and the film's thought-provoking narrative, Santosh is poised to make waves at the Oscars, further cementing its place in the world of impactful international cinema.

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