Diljit Dosanjh starrer ‘Satluj’, earlier titled ‘Punjab ’95’, was pulled from OTT within 48 hours of streaming on the platform last Friday. Reacting to this, comedian Kunal Kamra wrote an open letter to the CBFC chairman To Prasoon Joshiquestioning both the original objections raised against the film and its subsequent removal from OTT. The film had faced censor hurdles for more than three years while trying to secure a theatrical release, but ultimately never opened in theaters.
Kunal Kamra questions CBFC’s jurisdiction over OTT
Reacting to the film being pulled from the OTT platform, Kamra posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Can you tell us why 127 cuts were recommended for the film Punjab ’95? The same film, now renamed Satluj, has been pulled from an OTT platform in less than two days. The CBFC has no jurisdiction over OTT platforms or international releases. Punjab ’95 tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a man who exposed documented human rights abuses and paid for them with his life. If a film based on documented facts cannot be watched by the Indian audience, then the audience deserves to know why. This sends a very direct message to filmmakers and producers: if you are making a tribute to a great personality from a minority community, you will have to take on the CBFC.”
Kunal Kamra criticizes the double standards of the censor board
Kamra called out the censor board for its inconsistent approach, urging journalists to ask “some tough questions” of authorities about why some politically sensitive films are cleared without a hitch, while others are stuck in delays for years. He also took aim at the board’s power over filmmakers, questioning how it feels to be “gifted with four years of a director’s career. Journalists should ask the people who run this censorship board hard questions. Why do some politically insensitive films pass with ease while others spend years in limbo? A red carpet for Kashmir files, Bengal files etc Kerala history Roses for Dhurandar 1 & 2, a documentary/explanatory fiction for the unthinkable and inexplicable. How does it feel to enjoy four years of a director’s career?”
Kunal Kamra invokes the name of Jaswant Singh Khalra
He ended his note by making a contrast between the current situation and the past legal and democratic norms. He ended his letter with, “In Nehru’s India, this would have been litigated in court. If filmmakers can’t tell the stories of people who stood up for justice without years of obstruction, what kind of cinema are we encouraging them to make? Jaswant Singh Khalra, kidnapped again, this time by the CBFC.”
About ‘Satluj’
Headed by Honey Trehan‘Satluj’ tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, played by Diljit Dosanjhwhich began investigating cases of alleged illegal executions and secret cremations in Punjab.