Controversy Surrounds Diljit Dosanjh's Film 'Satluj' as Government Steps In

Government Forms Committee to Review 'Satluj'

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has established a high-level inter-departmental committee to assess the content of Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj', which draws inspiration from the case of a missing human rights activist from Punjab. This committee was initiated on Monday, shedding light on the ongoing controversy surrounding the film.

What Sparked the Controversy Over 'Satluj'?
Previously, Diljit Dosanjh starred in 'Punjab 95', a film that faced a three-year delay with the Censor Board. It was eventually released on an OTT platform under the new title 'Satluj', but was taken down just two days later. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film portrays the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra from Punjab.

Jaswant Singh was known for investigating the cremation of numerous unidentified bodies in Punjab during the period from 1984 to 1994. He was abducted in 1995 and has not been seen since. In 'Satluj', Diljit plays the role of Khalra. The government mandated the film's removal from the OTT platform due to security concerns, and its content is now under review.

Reasons Behind the Film's Removal from the OTT Platform

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting indicated that the film was made available on the OTT platform without undergoing the required certification process. ZEE5 has confirmed that 'Satluj' will not be accessible in India until further notice. Officials from the Ministry stated that the film did not possess the necessary certification for theatrical release. An official mentioned, "The creators of 'Satluj' had sought censor certification in 2022 under its original title, 'Punjab 95', but they rejected the 127 cuts proposed by the Censor Board and stalled the film's release."

Furthermore, the official noted, "The filmmakers did not act on the suggested cuts and quietly released the film on the OTT platform under a different title." Since OTT platforms are not governed by the Censor Board, the government intervened when the issue was brought to their attention, leading to the removal of the film from Zee.

Reactions from Diljit and the Director on the Film's Removal
Diljit expressed his disappointment over the film's removal from the OTT platform but encouraged viewers to watch it wherever possible. Meanwhile, Zee5 has urged audiences to refrain from supporting piracy. Director Honey Trehan also shared a message expressing hope for the film's future, stating, "God's will feels sweet."

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