Santosh - Vozes da Hierarquia

"Santosh," directed by Sandhya Suri, is a film that leaves you uneasy. Not because it delivers groundbreaking revelations, but because of the weight of its narrative in a world ruled by corruption, sexism, and caste inequality. It's a deeply political and painfully human work, anchored by a silent protagonist whose eyes say it all. However, despite its initial impact and technically impeccable execution, the film falls short of delving as deeply as it should into the themes it tackles.

The story follows Santosh Saini, portrayed with restraint and nuance by Shahana Goswami. Widowed at 28, Santosh is forced to make an unthinkable choice: between destitution and a police career in a male-dominated system that despises her very presence. It's a pragmatic decision, but one loaded with emotional heft. The job that should represent security comes at a steep cost, and Goswami plays her with a constant tension, as if she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders in every scene.

Suri, as a director, creates a visual universe that's as stunning as it is oppressive. The bustling streets of Mumbai and the dusty alleyways of rural villages act as mirrors for the social disparity the film critiques. The camera doesn't just observe-it accuses, highlighting the glaring contrasts between mansions and slums, the privileges of the powerful, and the vulnerability of the marginalized. It's a visually rich and carefully crafted portrait, finding beauty even in the most devastated spaces.

But where "Santosh" truly shines is in the dynamic between the protagonist and her more seasoned colleague, Geeta Sharma, played with grit by Sunita Rajwar. Geeta is everything Santosh is not: confident, outspoken, feared, and respected. Their relationship feels like a generational clash, with Geeta embodying the strategic conformity of someone who has learned to survive within the system, while Santosh, quiet and watchful, seems to wrestle internally with what she's witnessing. This connection, loaded with subtle tensions, could have been the film's heart. However, Suri stops short of fully exploring this potential, hinting at deeper layers without fully unraveling them.

The biggest issue with "Santosh" is precisely this: the sense that the film is always on the brink of saying something profound but never quite gets there. The choice to keep the protagonist silent might be a critique of the system that stifles her, but it also limits the audience's emotional engagement. The atrocities Santosh witnesses-from the torture of suspects to the blatant manipulation of truth-are shocking, but without a verbalized response, these moments often feel like visceral observations rather than truly impactful reflections.

Another notable aspect is the way the film addresses gender and caste issues. While these themes are present in nearly every scene, they rarely receive the nuance they deserve. The subplot of the murdered girl, which should serve as the narrative thread, ends up taking a backseat to scenes that prioritize atmosphere over narrative depth. It feels like the film wants to say everything at once but struggles to articulate any of it clearly.

Even so, it's impossible to ignore Suri's talent for creating visually arresting scenes. The moral tension that permeates the film is mirrored in the meticulously composed frames, where the clarity of urban landscapes contrasts with the ethical darkness inside the police station. This aesthetic choice creates an interesting duality but feels more like a visual provocation than a fully developed commentary.

What truly saves "Santosh" from drowning in its own ambition is Goswami's performance. Even with few lines, she crafts a complex protagonist-someone who clearly wants to do good but is lost in a system that turns good intentions into liabilities. It's impossible not to empathize with Santosh, even as she remains passive in the face of the injustices around her.

Overall, "Santosh" is a film that provokes but doesn't overwhelm. It makes you think, but it doesn't transform you. Still, it's an important portrayal of a society riddled with contradictions, where women are forced to find strength amid oppression and silence. Suri may not have delivered a perfect film, but she's certainly given us something to chew on-even if, by the end, we're left feeling like we're still hungry.

"There are two kinds of untouchables; those you don't want to touch, and those who can't be touched."

When a police officer is killed, his wife - Santosh - is trained to take his place. It is merely a ceremonial act in a police station in rural Northern India that is overwhelmingly male and traditional. Then a girl is raped, tortured, and her body dumped in a public square. The brazen crime isn't even investigated. Since the girl is from a poor family who can't read, they are ignored. It is then that something inside Santosh is triggered. Her task seems far from impossible, and yet public pressure builds and doors open that she never expected.

"The girl wore jeans and baited him."

The underground of India is revealed in this tense, observant, heart twisting, and powerful film. There is a glimpse of the justice system that prioritizes convictions by any means and ignores the real victims and perps. The film first surfaced at Cannes, and I saw it with director Sandhya Suri at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is all very moving. The film's spectacular imagery stays with me; the earrings of the dead girl, her face in the mirror, a lovely couple together, a girl selling biscuits, and a passing train.

Santosh is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends genres, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and mind. The film weaves together rich storytelling, compelling characters, and breathtaking visuals in a way that few others can. What sets Santosh apart is its ability to capture the essence of human emotion, from moments of joy to the most painful of experiences, with an authenticity that resonates deeply.

The performances are extraordinary, with the lead actor delivering a powerful, nuanced portrayal that keeps you invested in their journey. Every scene feels intentional, whether it's a quiet moment of reflection or a pivotal turning point. The direction is brilliant, making each frame feel like a work of art, beautifully framed and shot.

The score adds another layer of depth, elevating the emotional impact of the film without ever overpowering the storytelling. From start to finish, Santosh takes you on an unforgettable journey, challenging your perceptions while reminding you of the power of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

With its masterful combination of direction, acting, and an unforgettable narrative, Santosh is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. It's the kind of movie that reminds you why cinema is such a powerful medium - to touch hearts, provoke thought, and inspire change.

While it's narrative and structure does feel a bit thin, no doubt Sandhya Suri has an ambitious take on the corruption of Indian's police system, the caste system and the political issues surrounding in Indian.

Shot throughly well and provided with good production design, the direction maintains a good sense of atmosphere on approaching the narrative and the characters surrounding the environment. Alongside with a strong performance from Shaman Goswami. As a cop movie, the narrative does offer some interesting aspects but it does weaken as some of the average cliche approaches and the weak character developments don't really hold a very strong grasp.

Since the movie isn't a typical Bollywood story and made internationally, some of the approaches felt a bit too dense and biased that doesn't detract certain serious moments as the filmmaker would have wanted. But still, despite it's flaws, I found myself appreciating the aspects of the movie and it being a solid cop drama.

What an honor to be the first to write the review here!

I just saw this movie at the Sarajevo Film Festival, and I was immersed in it from the 1st moment. It's huge - bravo Sandhya Suri, bravo all the cast! What a realistic and technically flawless movie.

Very complex system (and the situation of misogyny) in India is neither easy to understand nor describe - Sandhya Suri did it very well. She couldn't let go the shocking events and painfully nonsensical injustices felt very deeply and obviously researched thoroughly - and she managed to portray it all here!

Thank you for this movie, on behalf of all the oppressed.

Big love and respect!