The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has taken the decision to block the release of the critically acclaimed Hindi film Santosh, citing concerns over its portrayal of misogyny, Islamophobia, and violence by law enforcement.

This film, which has garnered attention as the United Kingdom’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the Oscars, was produced through a collaboration between British and French production companies but was shot entirely in India. Santosh has gained accolades worldwide, with particularly strong praise for its poignant storytelling and performances.

Director Sandhya Suri expressed her disappointment regarding the CBFC decision in an interview with The Guardian, describing it as “disheartening.” She remarked, “It was surprising for all of us because I didn’t feel that these issues were particularly new to Indian cinema or hadn’t been raised before by other films.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among filmmakers who face censorship in a rapidly evolving cinematic landscape.

The CBFC reportedly demanded extensive cuts to the film, which Suri found unfeasible. “The board requested a long list of cuts that would have fundamentally altered the narrative,” she explained. “It was vital for me that the film reach Indian audiences, and I explored possible edits, but ultimately, it was simply too difficult to revise the film in a way that maintained its integrity and message.”

Santosh provides a gripping narrative set in northern India, centering on a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a young Dalit girl. Highlighted by performances from Shahana Goswami and others, the film made its debut in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it received rave reviews and significant praise for its exploration of pressing social issues.

As the landscape of Indian cinema navigates the delicate balance between creative expression and governmental oversight, the fate of Santosh reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the representation of sensitive topics in film. For now, it appears that Indian audiences will miss the opportunity to witness this thought-provoking cinematic piece on their home turf. The international accolades, however, underscore its potential impact beyond borders, resonating with viewers globally.

Tamil actress Shruthi Narayanan has recently come under scrutiny due to a leaked video allegedly related to a casting couch incident. In light of the controversy, she has reopened her Instagram account, sharing her first post after the incident. Prior to this, she had temporarily set her account to private, restricting access to her 40,000 approved followers.

Her latest post is a continuation of a series of images she has shared over the past week, showcasing her in a stunning white and golden saree. Notably, she chose not to include any caption with this particular post, allowing the elegant imagery to speak for itself.

The video, which has stirred considerable debate, is said to have originated from a private audition. It was leaked on March 27, 2025, and has since circulated widely across social media platforms, igniting discussions about the exploitation of individuals within the film industry. However, the authenticity of the video has not yet been substantiated, and Shruthi has not released an official statement regarding the matter, which has left many questions unanswered.

Shruthi Narayanan began her career in Tamil television and quickly gained recognition with her role in the popular show ‘Siragadikka Aasai’, which airs on Star Vijay and is available for streaming on JioHotstar. This series, which premiered in January 2023, features other prominent actors, including Vetri Vasanth and Gomathi Priya. Her talent and charm have earned her not only acclaim on screen but also a significant social media following, with 420,000 fans admiring her engaging content and personality.

In addition to her television work, Shruthi is also known for her performances in a variety of film projects, including ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ (2024), ‘Karthigai Deepam’ (2022), and ‘Maari’ (2022), in which she portrayed the character Nanjamani. As the situation unfolds, many fans and industry insiders are watching closely to see how Shruthi navigates the challenges she faces in the public eye.

Bollywood star Salman Khan has announced his upcoming collaboration with Sanjay Dutt for a major action film. The two actors, who previously starred together in hit films like Saajan (1991) and Chal Mere Bhai (2001), discussed their new project during a press interaction in Mumbai on March 27.

Salman stated, “After Sikandar, I am set to do another big film that promises next-level action—specifically a rustic kind of action. I’m excited to work with my older brother in the industry, Sanjay Dutt.”

In addition to this project, Salman confirmed that his collaboration with Tamil director Atlee is currently on hold due to budget constraints. “That’s delayed. The budget is an issue for that film. He (Atlee) has written a very large-scale movie,” he mentioned, adding that the director for the action film with Dutt has yet to be confirmed.

The iconic duo of Salman and Sanjay Dutt gained widespread acclaim for their roles as adoptive brothers in Saajan, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. They also appeared together in the comedy Chal Mere Bhai, directed by David Dhawan.

Recent reports have suggested that the actors might have special appearances in an American thriller filmed in the Middle East.

Salman’s film Sikandar is scheduled for release in theaters on March 30, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the movie stars Rashmika Mandanna and Tamil actor Sathyaraj. Salman described the film’s narrative as morally uplifting, stating, “Its basic theme is that a king or a noble man will always do good, no matter where he is.”

Addressing recent concerns, Salman Khan spoke out about the death threats he has received from Lawrence Bishnoi, saying, “Bhagwan, Allah, everything is up to him.”

In his recent outings, including Tiger 3 and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Salman has embraced his action hero persona. As co-producer of Sikandar, he chose not to set ticket prices at a reduced rate, referencing a negative experience with pricing during the release of Jai Ho (2014). “We kept the ticket prices at 200 rupees for that film, but it didn’t work out well,” he reflected. “For Sikandar, standard prices will apply.”