The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj has taken a fresh turn after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) claimed that the film was released on ZEE5 without completing the required certification process. The Honey Trehan directorial premiered on the streaming platform on July 3 but was taken down in India just two days later.
I&B Ministry alleges Satluj was released on ZEE5 without completing certification: Report
The ministry has now alleged that the filmmakers released the movie on OTT as a substitute of following the prescribed certification procedure after facing issues with its theatrical clearance.
Ministry questions Satluj’s OTT release
In line with an ANI report, an official from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the film didn’t possess the certification required for a theatrical release before it arrived on the streaming platform.
“Satluj didn’t have the required certification for a theatrical release. As an alternative of complying with the certification process, the makers modified the film’s title and released it on an OTT platform on Friday,” the official said.
The ministry further alleged that the discharge violated the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Nonetheless, officials didn’t discover the particular provision that was allegedly breached.
The ministry also stated that it had not received any representation from the filmmakers searching for approval or reconsideration before releasing the film digitally.
Long journey from Panjab 95 to Satluj
Originally titled Panjab 95, the film is inspired by the lifetime of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated alleged illegal disappearances and mass cremations during Punjab’s militancy era.
The project was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022. Reports suggested that the board initially really useful 27 cuts together with a title change. The filmmakers challenged the choice in court, after which a revision committee reportedly suggested around 120 cuts.
Following years of legal proceedings, the film eventually premiered on ZEE5 under the title Satluj. In line with reports, it was released in its original version without implementing the reported cuts.
ZEE5 removes the film from India
On July 5, ZEE5 confirmed that Satluj had been withdrawn from streaming in India. The platform said, “In light of the present developments, Satluj shall 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 on the earliest opportunity.”
The streamer has not disclosed what prompted the removal beyond citing “current developments.”
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is backed by RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures. Besides Diljit Dosanjh, the film features Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in pivotal roles. Since its removal, the film has received support from several public figures, with many calling for its return to Indian audiences while the legal and regulatory issues proceed to unfold.
Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma calls Satluj “essential filmmaking” days after ZEE5 removal: “Any art which makes the powerful uncomfortable has done its job”
More Pages: Satluj Box Office Collection , Satluj Movie Review
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