'No One Is Telling Us What The Problem Is': Satluj Writer Niren Bhatt Reacts To Film Removal From ZEE5

Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh, finally released on ZEE5 last Friday after years of delays. But just two days later, the film was removed from the streaming platform, leaving fans and the makers surprised.

Previously titled Punjab 95, the film had remained stuck in the certification process for nearly four years before eventually making its OTT debut under its new name.

Niren Bhatt Questions Silence Over Film's Removal

Niren Bhatt, who co-wrote the film with Utsav Maitra and director Honey Trehan, said the biggest issue is that no one has explained the reason behind the film's removal.

"I feel someone in the establishment has a problem with the film, but no one is telling us what it is."

Bhatt added that the makers have been waiting for answers for years, but there has been complete silence from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

He also questioned ZEE5's statement, which said the film had been removed because of "current developments." According to Bhatt, if there is a genuine issue with the film, the makers deserve a clear explanation and an opportunity to discuss it instead of seeing their work taken down without any details.

Government Cites Security Concerns

On Tuesday, a PTI report said the film was removed because of "security concerns."

According to the report, the filmmakers did not implement the suggested cuts and later released the movie directly on an OTT platform under the title Satluj.

Since OTT releases are not certified by the CBFC in the same way as theatrical films, the government reportedly asked ZEE5 to remove the film after it came to its notice.

Niren Bhatt Rejects 'Anti-India' Claim

Another report by NDTV claimed that authorities were concerned the film could be used as propaganda by anti-India groups.

Bhatt rejected the allegation, saying several films based on sensitive political subjects have been released in recent years without facing similar objections.

Referring to The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, Bhatt questioned why Satluj was being treated differently.

About Satluj

Satluj is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified people in Punjab between 1984 and 1994.

The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.

The film is produced by Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwvala under the banners of MacGuffin Pictures and RSVP.