The government used security grounds to demand that ZEE5 remove the film 'Satluj' after its creators released it under a new title on the streaming platform. This occurred because the theatrical release of the film was postponed for nearly three years due to censors' objections to certain elements of its content.
Plot of the film 'Satluj'
The film 'Satluj' tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, played by actor Diljit Dosanjh. Khalra exposed human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Punjab police during the fight against terrorism before disappearing in 1995. Later, four police officers were convicted for his kidnapping and murder.
Release on OTT Platform
The film's creators did not appeal to the censorship board. Since the content regulation rules for OTT platforms were less stringent than those for cinemas and television, they released the film under a different name on ZEE5, where it remained available for only two days. According to sources, the government exercised its authority and demanded the platform's removal on security grounds.
Context of Events in Punjab
The decade between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s was an extremely unstable period in Punjab. During this time, pro-Khalistan terrorist groups operated freely until they were suppressed by the police, which in turn was accused of numerous excesses during operations.
Regulation Issues and Family Opinions
The creators' decision to release it on OTT once again raised the issue of regulation in the new sphere of entertainment and information. This issue was noted in a report by the parliamentary standing committee led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Nishikant Dubey. The committee presented recommendations, including changes to existing legislation to address this problem.
The ban on 'Satluj' triggered a surge of painful memories among families whose loved ones are still considered missing. Relatives of many such victims told TOI that the film should not have been banned, as it sheds light on a painful chapter of Punjab's history that needs recognition, not concealment. The general sentiment among the families was the expression: 'Justice for what we lost will never come,' and they stated that 'Satluj' must be shown so that the younger generation can understand what many had to go through.
