‘Satluj’ writer Niren Bhatt dismisses ‘marketing stunt’ claims for Diljit Dosanjh starrer: ‘We made the film for theatres and hoped that the film would travel well through word of mouth like ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ continues to gather attention, with writer Niren Bhatt now dismissing allegations that the film’s removal from Zee5 shortly after its release was a publicity strategy. The screenwriter clarified that the makers had always envisioned the film as a theatrical experience and insisted there was never any intention to use the takedown as a marketing gimmick.’Satluj’, which premiered on Zee5 on July 3, was removed from the platform within 48 hours following directions from the Centre.
Niren Bhatt says the film was always meant for theatres
Addressing the speculation in an interview with NDTV, Bhatt said the team had hoped the film would first find its audience in cinemas before eventually reaching digital platforms.”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,” he said.Bhatt further explained that streaming platforms acquire films to attract viewers and subscribers, making it illogical to treat the release as a promotional exercise. He added that Zee5 had planned promotional activities around the film during the FIFA tournament and had also benefited from adding the title to its catalogue.
Niren Bhatt appeals to audiences to avoid piracy
Following the film’s removal, pirated copies of ‘Satluj’ began circulating across messaging apps and torrent websites. Bhatt urged viewers not to access the film through illegal means and expressed hope that it would soon return to streaming through the proper channels.”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 also requested audiences to remain patient until the film becomes officially available again.”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.Directed by Honey Trehan, ‘Satluj’ is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and explores the alleged disappearances and illegal cremations that took place during Punjab’s militancy period in the 1980s and 1990s.The project has faced multiple hurdles since 2022. During the certification process, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly suggested 21 cuts and asked the makers to change the title from ‘Ghallughara’ to ‘Punjab ’95’. After the producers challenged the decision in court, the matter was referred to the CBFC’s revising committee, which allegedly recommended 127 cuts and proposed changing the name of Jaswant Singh Khalra, the real-life figure on whom the story is based. The makers declined to accept the changes, resulting in the film remaining unreleased in India for years.
Why ‘Satluj’ was removed from Zee5
After finally making its digital debut in its uncut version, ‘Satluj’ was taken down from Zee5 within two days. The Centre later directed the platform to remove the film from its India catalogue, citing security concerns under the Information Technology (IT) Rules.The decision drew criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and several Punjab-based political parties, while Diljit Dosanjh remarked that the development was “bound to happen.”Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted a high-level interdepartmental committee to examine the film’s content. In an official statement, 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.”Apart from Diljit Dosanjh, the film also features Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles. Go to Source
