Centre to review Diljit Dosanjh film

• Government forms committee to review Diljit Dosanjh film Satluj
• ZEE5 removed the film from its platform on 5 July after premiere
• Makers and ZEE5 seek to bring the film back through due process

Amid the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s movie Satluj, the central government has now decided to review the film. As reported by Variety India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)

has formed a high-level interdepartmental committee (IDC) to review the content of Honey Trehan’s film. More details about the committee and its working are awaited.

Satluj Removed From ZEE5 

The film premiered on ZEE5 on July 3. However, it was taken down by the platform on July 5. While ZEE5 did not disclosed the exact reason behind the removal, it reiterated its support for the film and said it is committed to bringing it back through due process.

In an official statement, it wrote, “At Zee5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives. 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. Our commitment to creators and to stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose remains unwavering.”

Later, the film’s co-writer, Niren Bhatt also reacted to the film’s removal and told Variety India, “I firmly believe there is absolutely nothing objectionable in this movie.”

What Does Satluj Revolve Around?

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj was originally titled Ghallughara before being renamed Punjab ’95 and finally Satluj. The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed thousands of alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy years before he was abducted and murdered in 1995.

The project spent more than three years caught in certification disputes, with the makers refusing to accept the extensive cuts reportedly sought by the CBFC.