OTT removes 'Satluj' days after release, film alleged 25,000 fake encounters in Punjab
The film depicts Khalra’s 1990s investigation into alleged illegal cremations in Punjab. Reports cite security concerns that parts of the film could be misused for propaganda. Diljit said he wasn't too upset as the film had already reached audiences
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh's film "Satluj" has been removed from the OTT platform ZEE5 just two days after its release. The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Originally titled "Punjab 95," the film was denied release permission for a long time. It was later released on OTT platforms under the revised title "Satluj."
After the film was removed, Diljit Dosanjh expressed his displeasure, saying that he wasn't particularly saddened by the film's removal, as it had already reached audiences. He added that once a film is on the internet, it's not easy to remove it completely. He also commented that "the same thing happened to this film as happened to Khalda ji."
What did ZEE5 say?
Regarding the film's removal, ZEE5 issued an official statement, saying, "Given the current circumstances, 'Satluj' will not be available on the platform until further notice." The company also stated that it is exploring all available options within the legal process to ensure the film is made available to viewers again as soon as possible. However, no official information has been released regarding which agency or authority was involved in the film's removal.
What is the story of the film?
The film centers on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra and his human rights work. The story is set in Punjab in the 1990s. The assassination of then-Chief Minister Beant Singh in a bomb blast on August 31, 1995, and the subsequent alleged kidnapping of Jaswant Singh Khalra on September 6, 1995, are also part of the plot. When the political climate changed after the Chief Minister's death, the police, fearing that Khalra might expose their dark secret of 25,000 illegal cremations, took the step of kidnapping Khalra.
Khalra examined records from cremation grounds in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and surrounding areas, municipal corporation documents, and funeral registers. His investigation revealed that a large number of bodies were cremated as "unclaimed," while many allegedly belonged to people who had disappeared after being taken into police custody. He claimed that approximately 25,000 people were illegally murdered and cremated secretly across Punjab.
Security concerns have been raised in media reports, citing sources close to the central government, claiming that certain parts of the film could be misused. According to sources, there is concern that some of the film's content could be used by anti-India or pro-Khalistan elements for their propaganda, especially at this politically sensitive time. However, no detailed official statement has been issued by the government in this regard.