NEW DELHI: Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been taken down from streaming platform ZEE5 just two days after its release following objections from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting over certification requirements.
According to the Ministry, the film was released on the OTT platform without completing the mandatory certification process. Officials alleged that the makers changed the title of the film and released it digitally instead of complying with the certification requirements for theatrical release.
An official said the certification body had recommended nearly 100 cuts to the film. Instead of implementing the suggested changes, the filmmakers allegedly renamed the project and released it on ZEE5. The Ministry also stated that it had not received any representation from the filmmakers seeking approval or reconsideration before the release.
Confirming the removal, ZEE5 said in a statement that Satluj would remain unavailable in India until further notice.
“In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity,” the platform said.
The development sparked political reactions, with senior Congress leader Pargat Singh criticising the decision. He said films depicting human rights issues should not be banned and argued that such stories provide an opportunity for society to reflect on the misuse of power.
Reacting to the removal during an Instagram Live session, actor Diljit Dosanjh said he had anticipated the development.
“What I had already expected is exactly what happened. I thought the film might get banned when offices opened on Monday, but I didn’t know it would happen as early as Sunday evening,” he said.
Despite the film being taken down, Dosanjh expressed satisfaction that many viewers had already watched and downloaded it.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
