The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted a high-level inter-departmental committee to examine the content of Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj'. The film is inspired by the disappearance of a human rights activist from Punjab. This committee was formed on Monday. Here is the full story behind the controversy surrounding the film 'Satluj'.

Why did a controversy arise over the film 'Satluj'?
Diljit Dosanjh starred in a film titled 'Punjab 95', which remained stuck with the Censor Board for three years. It was subsequently released on an OTT platform on Friday under the title 'Satluj'. However, it was removed from the platform just two days later. Directed by Honey Trehan, 'Satluj' is based on the life of Punjab-based activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

It is worth noting that Jaswant Singh had investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. He was abducted in 1995 and was never seen again. Diljit Dosanjh plays the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra in the film. The government ordered the film's removal from the OTT platform, citing security concerns. Its content will now be examined.

Why was the film removed from the OTT platform?

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the film was released on the OTT platform without completing the mandatory certification process. ZEE5 has also confirmed that the film will not be available in India until further notice. According to Ministry officials, the film lacked the necessary certification for a theatrical release. An official told ANI, "The makers of the film 'Satluj' had applied for censor certification in 2022 under its original title, 'Punjab 95', but they did not accept the 127 cuts suggested by the Censor Board and halted the film's release."

The official added, "The filmmakers were not taking any action regarding the suggested cuts and eventually released the film quietly on the OTT platform under a new title." OTT platforms do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Censor Board. When the matter came to the government's attention, the Zee platform was asked to remove the film.

What did Diljit and the director say about the film's removal?
Diljit was quite disheartened when the film was removed from the OTT platform. However, he urged people to watch the film wherever it was available. Meanwhile, the OTT platform Zee5 has appealed to the audience not to support piracy. Additionally, director Honey Trehan shared a post stating, "God's will feels sweet," and remains hopeful about the film.

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