Satluj writer reacts to Diljit's film ban, dismisses 'marketing stunt' allegations

Satluj writer Niren Bhatt has dismissed claims that the film's removal from ZEE5 was a marketing stunt, saying the makers always wanted an official release. He also urged viewers to wait for the film's return instead of watching pirated copies.

In Short

• Satluj writer Niren Bhatt denied film removal from ZEE5 was a marketing stunt
• Film made for theatres, OTT release was fallback after theatrical hopes failed
• ZEE5 planned to promote Satluj during FIFA, gained viewer appreciation

Satluj writer Niren Bhatt has dismissed claims that the removal of singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's film from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release was "a marketing stunt." Addressing the controversy, Bhatt said the makers always intended the film to have a theatrical release and hoped it would eventually reach audiences through official platforms rather than piracy.

Speaking to NDTV, Bhatt rejected speculation that the takedown was a publicity exercise.

"This (removing the film after two days on ZEE5) is not a marketing stunt. Every producer wants the film to recover the budget of the film they are making. The first wish was that the film be released in theatres. We made the film for theatres and hoped that the film would travel well through word of mouth like Main Vaapas Aaunga. That wish couldn't come true. Then the film came on OTT," the screenwriter said.

Bhatt added that every streaming platform aims to attract subscribers and viewers through the films it acquires. He said ZEE5 had planned to promote Satluj during the FIFA tournament and had also benefited from bringing the film to the platform, with many viewers appreciating the move. According to him, ZEE5 is a commercial platform and the release was never intended as a publicity stunt.

Bhatt also urged viewers not to resort to piracy despite the film being widely circulated through WhatsApp, Telegram and torrent platforms after its removal.

"If you look at it from a legal point of view or any other point of view, no one will find anything offensive about the film. It should get restored soon. It will start streaming again... The streaming should not have stopped in the first place. It's spreading through word of mouth. People are sharing widely on social media and are having an emotional reaction to the film," he said.

He further appealed to audiences to wait for the film's official return instead of watching pirated copies.

"Because people abroad are already watching the film on ZEE5, viewers here will also automatically be curious about it. Fear of missing out is driving the word of mouth for the film. And, that's why people take to other (illegal) platforms to watch the film. I personally feel the film will soon get clearance and it will start streaming again. So I request people to wait and watch the film officially," Bhatt added.

All about the controversy

Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan, is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Starring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, the film focuses on the disappearance and illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies during Punjab's militancy era in the 1980s and 1990s.

The film has faced hurdles since its certification process began in late 2022. After the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly suggested 21 cuts and asked the makers to change the title from Ghallughara to Punjab '95, the producers challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court.

The film was later referred to the CBFC's revising committee, which reportedly proposed 127 cuts and asked the makers to change the name of the film's protagonist, Jaswant Singh Khalra, on whom the film is based. The makers refused to accept the changes, following which the film remained unreleased in India for years.

After years of delay, Satluj finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 in its uncut form but was removed from the platform within two days. The Centre later directed ZEE5 to take down the film, citing security concerns under the Information Technology (IT) Rules. The move drew objections from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and several Punjab-based political parties, while Diljit Dosanjh said the takedown was "bound to happen."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted a high-level interdepartmental committee (IDC) to examine the contents of the film.

In a statement shared on Instagram, ZEE5 said, "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 (sic)."

Besides Diljit Dosanjh, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.

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