Entertainment

UK’s Oscar Entry “Santosh” Banned from Release in India

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2025

Acclaimed British writer and director Sandhya Suri’s film ‘Santosh’ will not be released commercially in India. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has mandated significant cuts, rendering the film’s release in the subcontinent unfeasible. Concerns were raised about its portrayal of police, caste discrimination, Islamophobia, and police brutality. Although the board permitted filming in India, this latest development raises pressing questions.

‘Santosh’ tells the story of a young widow who enlists in the police force to probe the murder of a Dalit girl, addressing critical issues such as misogyny, caste discrimination, sexual violence, and Islamophobia. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to international acclaim. In addition to being submitted for an Oscar, it also received a nomination at the prestigious BAFTA awards. Shahana Goswami notably won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards.

In an interview with The Guardian, Suri expressed her disappointment over the film’s failure to reach Indian theaters. Reflecting on the extensive cuts required, she stated, “It was very important to me that the film is released in India. I tried to explore if there was a way to make it work, but ultimately it was too challenging to make those cuts while maintaining the film’s integrity and vision.”

She further remarked, “It was surprising for all of us because I didn’t think these issues were particularly new to Indian cinema or hadn’t been tackled by other films. Perhaps it’s the nature of this story, where everyone is morally compromised and there’s no clear-cut hero.”

Before filming began, Suri submitted the script to the CBFC for approval, and the board initially allowed the project without raising concerns about its sensitive themes. However, this recent decision has left stakeholders and audiences perplexed. Many were eagerly anticipating the theatrical release of ‘Santosh,’ but the unexpected obstacles now make that a distant possibility.

Entertainment

‘Picture’Release Postponed; New Song Released

Published

12 hours ago

July 18, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: The much-awaited Coastalwood film Picture will now release on August 7, instead of the earlier announced July 24.

Produced by Golden Star Ganesh and Shilpa Ganesh under the Golden Movies banner, the film has been made in Tulu and Kannada.

The makers have also released a new celebration song titled ‘Ajjerejjare’ in Tulu and ‘Suvvi Suvvali’ in Kannada. The lyrics are by Sandeep Bedra, while V. Harikrishna has lent his voice to the song.

Directed by Sandeep Bedra, Picture stars Nithya Prakash Bantwal and Amrutha Sudu in lead roles. The film is also the first Tulu movie to be shot in Kashmir.

Entertainment

Achyutha Avatharam Released in Kannada

Published

16 hours ago

July 18, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: The Malayalam film “Achyutha Avatharam”, directed by Kannada writer and producer Puneeth, has now been released in Kannada.

The film is produced under the Rayra Ventures banner by Ramesh C., Rudramurthy, and Rakesh R. It presents a Cyber Crime thriller that connects a traditional village setting with the modern digital world.

The premiere show was held at Bharath Mall, Mangaluru, on July 17. The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the guests.

Producer Prakash Pandeshwar wished the team success. He said it was a happy moment to see the film dubbed and released in five languages. He appealed to the audience to watch the movie, support the team, and share their opinions.

Actress Chandrakala Kadike said this was her first film in another language. She expressed happiness that the movie has now been released in Kannada. She added that although she did not know Malayalam, the entire team helped her learn the language and perform confidently.

Actor Timmappa Kulal said he has a special connection with the Malayalam film industry. He shared that he was selected for this film after his performance in another Malayalam movie. He thanked the filmmakers for giving him the opportunity and wished the film great success. He also said audience support for producers gives strength to the entire film industry.

Viewers appreciated the film after the screening. They described it as a different kind of thriller with a strong storyline. They said the movie highlights cyber fraud, the misuse of mobile phones, and delivers a meaningful message to young people.

Entertainment

Supreme Court Dismisses plea against Mannat Renovation

Published

4 days ago

July 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the renovation of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan’s residence, Mannat, in Mumbai.

A Mumbai resident had filed the petition alleging that the renovation project did not have all the required statutory and environmental clearances.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s senior advocate, Shoaib Alam, argued that the project required approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also claimed that projects costing more than Rs.5 crore must obtain such approval.

The Supreme Court questioned the intention behind the petition. Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that Mannat is a private residence and its owners are free to renovate or modify their home if they follow the law.

The petitioner’s lawyer also requested that the matter be sent back to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for reconsideration. However, the Supreme Court rejected the request.

The court also clarified that its decision was not influenced by Shah Rukh Khan’s popularity or celebrity status.

Earlier, the National Green Tribunal had dismissed a similar petition. It ruled that the project complied with environmental rules and that all necessary approvals had been granted.

The dispute began in March 2025 when social activist Santosh Daundkar approached the NGT. He challenged the Coastal Regulation Zone clearance issued by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority on January 3.

The petition also alleged that environmental rules were not properly followed during the approval process. However, those associated with the project maintained that all required permissions had been obtained.

The controversy arose after Gauri Khan proposed adding two more floors to the existing six-storey building at Mannat. With the Supreme Court dismissing the plea, the legal challenge to the renovation has come to an end.