The controversy around Diljit Dosanjh‘Satluj’ continues to attract attention, with writer My Bhatt is now rejecting allegations that the removal of the film from Zee5 soon after its release was a publicity ploy. The screenwriter clarified that the makers had always envisioned the film as a theatrical experience and insisted that there was never any intention to use the withdrawal as a marketing gimmick.‘Satluj’, which premiered on Zee5 on July 3, was pulled from the platform within 48 hours following the Centre’s directions.
Niren Bhatt says the film was always meant for theatres
Addressing the speculation in an interview with NDTV, Bhatt said that the team was hoping that the film would first find its audience in theaters before hitting digital platforms.“This (dropping the film after two days on ZEE5) is not a marketing gimmick. All the producers want the film to recover the budget of the film they are making. The first wish was for the film to release in theatres. We made the film for theaters and hoped that the film would travel well through word of mouth like ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’.”Bhatt further explained that streaming platforms acquire films to attract viewers and subscribers, so it is illogical to treat the release as a promotional exercise. He added that Zee5 had planned promotional activities around the film during the FIFA tournament and had also benefited from adding the title to its catalogue.
Niren Bhatt appeals to the public to avoid piracy
After the film was removed, pirated copies of “Satluj” started circulating on messaging apps and torrent websites. Bhatt urged viewers not to access the film through illegal means and expressed hope that it would soon return to streaming through proper channels.“If you look at it from a legal point of view or from any other point of view, no one will find anything offensive in the film. It should be restored soon. It will start playing again… The streaming should not have stopped in the first place. It is spreading by word of mouth. People are sharing widely on social media and having an emotional reaction to the film,” he said.He also asked the audience to be patient until the film is officially available again.“Since people abroad are already watching the film on ZEE5, viewers here will also be curious about it. The fear of missing out is driving word of mouth about the film. And because of that, people are going to other (illegal) platforms to watch the film. Personally, I think the film will soon get clearance and start streaming again.Directed by Honey Trehan, ‘Satluj’ is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and explores the alleged illegal disappearances and cremations that took place during Punjab’s period of militancy in the 1980s and 1990s.The project has faced multiple obstacles since 2022. During the certification process, the Central Film Certification Board (CBFC) suggested 21 cuts and asked the makers to change the title from ‘Ghallughara’ to ‘Punjab ’95’. After the producers challenged the decision in court, the matter was referred to the CBFC’s review committee, which reportedly recommended 127 cuts and suggested renaming Jaswant Singh Khalra, the real-life figure on whom the story is based. The makers refused to accept the changes, resulting in the film remaining unreleased in India for years.
Why ‘Satluj’ was removed from Zee5
After making its digital debut in its uncut version, ‘Satluj’ was pulled from Zee5 within two days. The Center later directed the platform to pull the film from its Indian catalogue, citing security concerns under information technology (IT) norms.The decision drew criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and several Punjab-based political parties, while Diljit Dosanjh remarked that the development “was bound to happen”.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted a high-level inter-departmental committee to look into the content of the film. In an official statement, Zee5 said, “In light of current developments, ‘Satluj’ will not be available in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film to our audience at the earliest opportunity.”“Apart from Diljit Dosanjh, the film also features Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.