[ad_1]
Controversy around Diljit Dosanjh‘Satluj’ continues to attract attention with the writer Niren Bhatt Now dismissing the allegations that the removal of the film from Zee5 soon after its release was a publicity stunt. The screenwriter clarified that the makers had always envisioned the film as a theatrical experience and insisted that there was no intention of using the takedown as a marketing ploy.‘Satluj’, which premiered on Zee5 on July 3, was pulled from the platform within 48 hours as directed by the Centre.
Neeren Bhatt said that the film was always meant for theatres
Addressing the speculation in an interview with NDTV, Bhatt said that the team hoped that the film would first find its audience in cinemas before eventually reaching digital platforms.“This (moving 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 made. The first wish was for the film to be released in theatres. We made the film for theaters and hoped that the film would travel well through word of mouth like ‘My Vaps Aunga’. Then that wish cannot come true.” He said that the film could not come true.Bhatt also explained that streaming platforms acquire films to attract viewers and subscribers, making it unreasonable to consider it a promotional exercise. He added that Zee5 planned promotional activities around the film during the FIFA tournament and also benefited from adding the title to its catalogue.
Niren Bhatt appealed to the audience to avoid piracy
After the film was removed, pirated copies of ‘Satuluj’ started circulating across messaging apps and torrent websites. Bhatt requested viewers not to access the film through illegal means and hoped that it would soon return to streaming through proper channels.“If you look at it from a legal point of view or any other point of view, no one will find anything objectionable about the film. It should be restored soon. It will start streaming again… It should not have stopped streaming in the first place. It is spreading through word of mouth. People are sharing widely on social media and there is an emotional response to the film,” he said.He requested the audience to be patient till the film is officially available again.“Since people abroad are already watching the film on ZEE5, viewers here will automatically be curious about it. The fear of missing out is driving word of mouth for the film. And that’s why people take to other (illegal) platforms to watch the film. I personally think the film will get clearance soon and it will start streaming again. So I officially request people to wait and watch the film.”Directed by Honey Trehan, ‘Sutlej’ is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jasbant Singh Khalra and explores the alleged disappearances and illegal cremations that took place during the militancy of Punjab in the 1980s and 1990s.The project has faced multiple hurdles since 2022. During the certification process, 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 revision committee of the CBFC, which recommended 127 cuts and proposed renaming of Jaswant Singh Khalra, on whom the story is based. The makers refused to accept the changes, as a result of which the film was not released in India for many years.
Why ‘Satluj’ was removed from Zee5
After finally making its digital debut in its uncut version, ‘Satluj’ was pulled from Zee5 within two days. The Center later ordered the platform to remove the image from its India catalog citing security concerns under Information Technology (IT) rules.The decision drew criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and several Punjab-based political parties, while Diljit Dosanjh commented that the development was “bound to happen”.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a high-level inter-departmental committee to examine the content of the film. In an official statement, Zee5 said, “In light of the current developments, ‘Sutluj’ will remain unavailable in India until further notice. We are committed to explore every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audience at the earliest.”“Apart from Diljit Dosanjh, the film also stars Arjun Rampal, Subinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ahlian in lead roles.
[ad_2]
Source link
