India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, Kiran Rao’s celebrated film Laapataa Ladies, has failed to secure a spot in the top 15 of the Best International Feature Film category. The news comes as a disappointment for Indian cinema enthusiasts. However, there’s still a reason for cheer as Santosh, a film featuring Indian actresses Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, has made it to the shortlist.
Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, Santosh is an investigative thriller set in a North Indian village. It was selected as the UK’s official entry, thanks to its strong British distribution and producer backing. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival and was later chosen by BAFTA representatives for Oscar consideration.
The producers of Santosh include Alan McAlex, James Bausher, Balthazar de Ganay, and Mike Goodridge, adding a global dimension to its storytelling. With its inclusion in the shortlist, Santosh showcases how collaborative filmmaking can bring Indian talent to the forefront on an international stage.
As India’s hopes with Laapataa Ladies are dashed, Santosh keeps the spotlight on Indian talent, albeit through a different route.
