Politicians, actors react as Diljit Dosanjh’s film removed from ZEE5
Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj, which details the life of an activist in Punjab in the turbulent 1990s and has been taken off OTT, was at the centre of furious debate on Monday with political parties and the SGPC pushing for the release of the film and the actor-singer asking people to watch it wherever and however they can.
The film, which was stuck with the censors for more than three years, was released uncut on ZEE5 on Friday and removed on Sunday evening. While Dosanjh said this was bound to happen and the film had already been downloaded by many, ZEE5 issued an appeal asking people not to support piracy.
Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated film Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has triggered widespread reactions from celebrities and politicians after being pulled down from streaming platform ZEE5, just two days after its release.
ZEE5 confirmed in an official statement that the film will remain unavailable in India until further notice, adding that it is exploring options to bring it back for audiences.
Former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh reacted strongly, drawing a comparison between the film’s subject matter and historical events, stating that “Truth cannot remain buried forever”.
Filmmaker Onir, who had praised the film after watching it, expressed his disappointment online, saying, “And once again the Industry at large is SILENT about what should alarm us all and it affects us all. How can we surrender our right to tell stories… especially such powerful sensitive stories.”
Actor Ranvir Shorey called the film’s removal deeply disappointing, “Utterly disappointing to hear Satluj had been pulled!.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), wrote on X, “Shocked and saddened by the arbitrary removal of #Satluj from #ZEE5 in India. I strongly condemn this move. Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty, not suppression”.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, ‘The BJP is again trying to do what the Congress party did by practising politics against the Panth by removing a movie based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra from an OTT platform. This is not a fictional film. Punjab will not tolerate such high-handedness.’
AAP MP Malwinder Singh Kang said, “This is a very unfortunate and discriminatory act by the Central Government. Permission is being given to films like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Files, and Dhurandhar, which can benefit the BJP politically. On the other hand, movies that showcase human rights violations and the massacre of Sikhs are being stopped. The film should be released.” Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon said, “We are taking up this matter with the Central government.” Filmmaker and actor Sujoy Ghosh also expressed his disappointment. Filmmaker Anurag Basu, has voiced his support for director Honey Trehan, whose film Satluj has been taken down from OTT.
Artists shouldn’t do films just for money: FWICE
FWICE President BN Tiwari has raised questions over Diljit Dosanjh’s controversial film Satluj. Speaking exclusively to IANS, he stated that actors should not take up films purely for financial gain and must consider their wider responsibility and public image while selecting roles. When asked about the removal of Satluj from OTT platform ZEE5 in India, BN Tiwari said, “Actually, if something creates problems in society, then such content should be carefully reviewed. Cinema is meant for entertainment and also carries some information, but if the government repeatedly intervenes or if the censor board finds issues, it means there were elements that were not suitable for public viewing.” (Agencies)
