Indian-British filmmaker Sandhya Suri has made headlines as her Hindi-language film Santosh secures a nomination for the Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature Film category, representing the United Kingdom. Suri’s journey from a mathematics teacher to an acclaimed filmmaker is inspiring audiences worldwide.
Who is Sandhya Suri?
Sandhya Suri was born in England to Indian immigrant parents and grew up in Darlington. Initially, she pursued mathematics and worked as a teacher in Japan. However, her passion for storytelling led her to documentary filmmaking, which she studied at the National Film and Television School in the UK.
Her first documentary, I for India (2005), explored her father’s experiences as an Indian immigrant in the UK. It was a critical success and earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. Suri continued to build her career with projects like The Field (2018), a short narrative film about a woman farmer in Haryana and her secret love affair. The Field won several awards, including Best International Short Film at the Toronto Film Festival 2018.
What is ‘Santosh’ About?
Santosh is a gripping crime drama set in India. The story follows a young widow, Santosh, who takes on her late husband’s role as a police officer and investigates a murder. The film highlights themes of gender dynamics, violence against women, and empowerment. Featuring Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in lead roles, Santosh captures the complexities of navigating power and vulnerability.
Suri started working on Santosh in 2016 and filmed in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking about the film’s inspiration, Suri revealed that it stemmed from a photograph she saw during the 2012 Delhi gang rape protests. The image of a female police officer standing in front of an angry crowd stayed with her. “She had power but didn’t have power. She was part of them but also apart from them. That duality intrigued me,” Suri explained.
Challenges and Success
Creating Santosh wasn’t easy for Suri, who filmed far from her home and family. As a single mother, she faced the challenge of working continents away from her daughter while also navigating an unfamiliar setting in India. Despite the hurdles, Suri called the experience a “steep learning curve” that strengthened her as a filmmaker.
Santosh has been praised for its bold storytelling and nuanced portrayal of social issues. Its Oscar nomination solidifies Suri’s position as a visionary filmmaker.
A Remarkable Career Ahead
From tracing immigrant stories in I for India to exploring rural life in The Field and now presenting a powerful narrative with Santosh, Sandhya Suri’s work reflects her ability to tell deeply personal and socially relevant stories. As India cheers for Santosh at the Oscars, Suri’s journey continues to inspire budding filmmakers worldwide.
Will Santosh bring home the coveted golden statue? Only time will tell, but Sandhya Suri’s rise in the film industry is already a story of triumph and determination.