SANTOSH, 2024

United Kingdom, India, Germany, France | DCP, Color, 120’ | Hindi

Director: Sandhya Suri

Cast: Shahana Goswami, Sunita Rajwar, Pratibha Awasthy

Santosh is widowed after her husband, a police officer, is killed in the line of duty. Via a government program, she replaces her husband by taking a job at a police station in rural North India. Despite Santosh's efforts, her superior sternly rejects a low-caste father's appeal to report his missing daughter. The discovery of the young girl's body ignites protests in the community. Seeking to calm negative publicity, the authorities appoint Sharma, a female inspector, to lead the investigation. Santosh watches with admiration as Sharma stands tall in a male-dominated world and fights violence against women. The film is a powerful thriller that reveals a society from within through detailed observations and is shaped by the revelation of evidence and characters. The inner conflicts, desires, and struggles of two female characters in a corrupt system are strengthened by the impressive performances of the two masterful actors.