The British Academy’s submission of a Hindi-language film, with an Indian cast, to the Oscars’ international feature film category has drawn reactions, including from Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor.
An acclaimed crime thriller, Santosh is directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri who was born in England.
Set against the backdrop of rural north India, the story follows a newly widowed woman who takes on her late husband’s role as a police constable. As she grapples with her new responsibilities, she becomes embroiled in the investigation of a young girl’s murder, creating a riveting tale that resonates deeply with audiences.
The film was shot mainly in and around Lucknow. It will compete alongside Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, India’s entry to the Academy Awards.
To qualify as an international feature film to the Oscars, a movie must be a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US and with predominantly (more than 50 per cent) non-English dialogue. The country-selected film must be first released in the country of origin.
Senior Congress leader and MP Tharoor said: “How utterly astonishing that a Hindi language film with an Indian cast is the UK’s official entry for the Oscars! Guess we should be rooting for it too!”
His comment drew a flurry of reactions from Internet users. One said: “Now, many Indians in the UK are teaming up with Europeans and making short films. There are a whole bunch of them on YouTube.”
Filmmakers have cheered on Suri, also known for her previous documentaries I for India (2005) and Around India With A Movie Camera (2018) as well as the short film The Field (2018).
“I was stunned by this film when I watched it at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024,” wrote Indian filmmaker and poet Leena Manimekalai in a post on X.
“I could not recover for hours from the intensity of emotions Santosh had created in me. Truly happy for the director Sandhya Suri and the team.”
In May, Santosh premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival under the Un Certain Regard section.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences will announce its 2025 Oscar shortlist, including those contending in the best international feature category, on Dec 17. The Oscar nominations will be announced in January next year.
