Santosh

After inheriting her late husband’s job as a police officer as part of a government scheme, Santosh (Shahana Goswami) soon finds herself investigating the murder of a 15-year-old girl whose body was found at the bottom of a well. Donning the pristine khaki uniform and being taken under the wing of seasoned officer Sharma (Sunita Rajwar), the fresh-faced constable is eager to get justice for the girl’s family whilst proving herself to her dismissive male colleagues. The further into her search for answers she goes, the more Santosh uncovers about the social and religious divides within modern India in Sandhya Suri’s sharply written feature.

Being a newcomer to the force who’s naïve to the ways that things are usually done, Santosh is the audience’s eyes into this world. It’s through the protagonist’s experiences and interactions with locals and her superiors that Suri fleshes out her script with poignant commentary. Upon taking the victim’s father to the station to file a report, for instance, Santosh’s concerns are waved away because of the man’s lower caste. Likewise, an underlying prejudice towards the Muslim community becomes a prominent part of the ensuing inquiry. Themes surrounding feminism and grief are likewise incorporated into the wider plot, each of which is handled with tact.

Goswami is sensational in the titular role. Her performance is the anchor that keeps viewers invested in the central mystery and its broader implications. Rajwar, too, is excellent as Santosh’s mentor as the pair develops a close relationship. While there are some twists and turns that keep the investigation engaging, it’s never intended to be the main focus. This becomes especially clear when the main suspect is apprehended about halfway into the runtime, at which point events take a more sombre turn during a brutal scene, causing Santosh to reflect upon her involvement.

With the plot’s main driving force gone, the pacing takes a bit of a hit during the second half, consequently leaving the film feeling a little longer than it is. However, the latter part is where both the writing and Goswami’s performance are at their strongest as they confront what the aftermath means for the character, justice, and India. Though it’s the gripping murder-mystery that hooks viewers, it’s Suri’s intelligent and keenly observed social commentary where Santosh shines the brightest. 

Andrew Murray

Santosh is released in select cinemas on 21^st March 2025.

Watch the trailer for Santosh here: