Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’, which was earlier titled ‘Punjab ’95’, was pulled from OTT within 48 hours of streaming on the platform last Friday. In response, comedian Kunal Kamra wrote an open letter to the CBFC chairman. Prasoon Joshiagainst the initial objections leveled against the film and its removal from OTT. The film faced critical issues for more than three years while trying to get it released, but it was never released in theaters.
Kunal Kamra questions CBFC’s control over OTT
In response to the film being removed from the OTT platform, Kamra wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Can you let us know why the 127 cut was recommended for the film Punjab ’95? The same film, now titled Satluj, has been removed from the OTT platform within two days. The CBFC has no jurisdiction over OTT platforms or international broadcasts. Punjab ’95 tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a man who exposed human rights violations and paid with his life. If a film based on a documentary cannot be seen by the people of India, then people need to know why. This sends a direct message to the filmmakers and the film industry: if you are paying respect to a great personality from a minority group, you have to face the CBFC”.
Kunal Kamra criticizes two points of the censor board
Mr. Kamra called for an investigation into the inconsistency, and urged the media to ask “difficult questions” to government officials about why some politically sensitive films are cleared without a problem while others are delayed for years. He also looked at the fact that the organization should have power over the filmmakers, asking how it is to “celebrate four years of the director’s work. Journalists should ask difficult questions that are driving the group. Why do some non-political films pass easily while others spend years in limbo? The red carpet of Kashmir Files, Bengal Files, and Kerala Story. Roses of Dhurandar 1 & 2, fictional/narrative novels that are unpredictable and inexplicable. How does it feel to celebrate four years of leadership?
Kunal Kamra is calling for the name of Jaswant Singh Khalra
He ended his letter by showing the difference between what is happening today and the past of the law and democratic traditions. He concluded his letter with, “In Nehru’s India, this would have been challenged in court. If filmmakers cannot tell the stories of people who stood up for justice without years of hindrance, what kind of films are we encouraging them to make? Jaswant Singh Khalra Arrested again, This time by the CBFC.”
About ‘Satluj’
Under the direction of Honey Trehan‘Satluj’ tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who played the role Diljit Dosanjhwho started investigating cases of illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab.