The ongoing situation regarding Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj has taken a new turn, as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) claims that the movie was released on ZEE5 without going through the necessary certification process. The film, directed by Honey Trehan, made its debut on the streaming platform on July 3 but was removed from availability in India just two days later.
The ministry asserts that the filmmakers opted to release Satluj on OTT platforms instead of following the official certification protocols, particularly after facing issues with its theatrical release. An official from the I&B indicated that the film lacked the required certification for a theatrical showing before it became available online.
“Satluj did not have the necessary certification for a theatrical release. Instead of going through the required process, the creators altered the film’s title and released it on an OTT platform on Friday,” the official stated.
Moreover, the ministry highlighted that the release went against the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, although specific violations were not disclosed. They also noted that they had not received any requests for approval from the filmmakers prior to the digital release.
Originally named Panjab 95, the movie is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who looked into reports of illegal disappearances and mass cremations during the militancy period in Punjab. The film was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022, where it faced significant challenges. Initial recommendations included 27 cuts and a title change, leading the filmmakers to appeal in court, after which a revision committee suggested about 120 cuts.
After a lengthy legal battle, the film was eventually released on ZEE5 under the new title Satluj, reportedly in its original form without the necessary edits.
On July 5, ZEE5 announced that Satluj would no longer be available in India, stating, “In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We are committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”
The platform has not revealed the specific reasons behind the film’s removal, citing only “current developments.”
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures, Satluj features a talented cast including Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. Since its removal, many public figures have voiced their support for the film, urging for its return amid the ongoing legal and regulatory issues surrounding it.
