Santosh

Set in a contemporary Indian setting, the film reflects modern policing, media attention, and the ongoing struggle against caste-based violence and injustice.

The story centers on a rural Indian town anchored by a busy police headquarters, with key scenes in a nearby Dalit village and its wells. Protests erupt in front of the police station, highlighting the tension between state authority and marginalized communities. The narrative also moves to the city of Mumbai, showing the movement of suspects and how urban spaces interact with rural pressures.

⚖️ Justice and Impunity

The story probes how power, caste, and political influence shape the pursuit of justice. Santosh confronts a system that tolerates coercive tactics and cover-ups while still demanding accountability for victims. The film critiques police brutality and shows how media scrutiny can swell public demand for answers, even as those in authority seek to control outcomes. It asks whether true justice can emerge when investigators operate under pressure from above.

🧭 Duty vs Morality

Santosh’s compassionate recruitment into the force sets up a conflict between professional duty and personal conscience. She wrestles with the use of coercion during interrogation and the toll it takes on her mental health. Her choices affect the suspect, Devika’s family, and the broader community, illustrating how moral compromises can ripple through a case. The film explores whether adherence to law can coexist with moral integrity.

✊ Caste and Rights

Devika’s murder exposes deep-seated caste prejudice in both village life and wider society. The Dalit community’s demand for justice clashes with powerful interests embodied by the village chief and his allies. Water access and social exclusion become flashpoints for protest and state response. The narrative frames the fight for dignity and equal rights against a backdrop of systemic bias.