Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' removed from Zee5 globally after removal in India

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.

Following the sudden removal of the film 'Satluj' from the Zee5 service in India, the debate surrounding this movie has intensified. B.N. Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western Indian Cinema Workers (FWICE), commented on the situation, raising questions about the actor's project choices and insisting that artists should consider their social responsibility when selecting roles.

Questions Regarding Film Production

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Tiwari noted that films that could incite unrest must undergo thorough vetting. He also questioned why 'Satluj' was permitted to be shown if it had already gone through the certification process. B.N. Tiwari emphasized that if content creates societal problems, it should be subject to careful analysis. Although cinema is intended for entertainment and contains information, government intervention or objections from a censorship board indicate the presence of material unsuitable for the public.

Stance on Censorship and Release

He added that even if a film receives censorship approval, it should be preemptively banned if the Indian government believes it may spread misinformation, disrupt social harmony, or be used to cause harm. Tiwari expressed bewilderment over the re-evaluation of the film after it passed multiple stages of editing and censorship. In his view, the censorship board should have considered all concerns initially. Once approved, the film should be released because producers invest significant funds. If all necessary changes have been made, there is no basis for subsequent banning; either the film should be approved and released, or rejected at the censorship stage.

Criticism of Actor's Project Selection

President B.N. Tiwari also criticized Diljit Dosanjh's decision to participate in controversial projects, advising the actor to take into account his public image and influence. He expressed surprise, asking why Diljit Dosanjh chooses contentious films, and reminded him of the need to consider the consequences of such decisions given his status as a Punjabi superstar and his vast global fanbase. Tiwari stated that actors should not take projects solely for money but must also care about national interests. He noted that the artist has a great responsibility towards the country, and he should think about it before taking on such projects.

Information About the Film 'Satluj'

The film 'Satluj', directed by Hani Trehan, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. This film premiered on Zee5 in India on Friday but was removed from the streaming platform on Sunday (July 5), surprising viewers. Following its removal, Zee5 issued a statement saying: 'Given the current situation, the film 'Satluj' will not be available in India until further notice. We aim to return this film to our viewers as soon as possible, following due procedure.'

The film 'Satluj', based on the life of Punjab human rights activist Jaswant Singh Hald, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has once again become the subject of serious controversy. After a long wait and numerous obstacles, the film, which recently premiered on the streaming service ZEE5 without prior promotion, was suddenly removed from the catalog in India pending further orders.

Creation Story and Censorship Issues

The removal of the film shocked viewers and fans, as this project had long faced issues due to objections from the film censorship board and significant edits. Initially, the film was under close scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which raised several serious concerns and allegedly required over 120 changes for the picture's approval. It was because of this that the film never made it to Indian cinemas, despite all the creators' efforts.

Transition to OTT and ZEE5 Support

Ultimately, the creators changed the film's title to 'Satluj' and decided to release it digitally through the ZEE5 platform. However, even this path proved difficult. After the film's streaming was suspended in India, ZEE5 issued an official statement. In it, the streamer expressed gratitude to viewers for the positive response after the film's release and confirmed its full support for the story and creative vision of the picture. ZEE5 stated its commitment to presenting such true and profound stories to the world.

Seeking Legal Solutions

Despite the temporary ban on showing the film to the Indian audience, the creators and the platform are not giving up. ZEE5 emphasized its firm support for the creative integrity of the film's creators. The platform is taking all possible steps to return the film to Indian viewers as soon as possible, exploring all necessary legal avenues to lift the current ban and resume broadcasting.