Satluj row: Film body chief questions Diljit Dosanjh's 'controversial' choices of films amid OTT takedown
PTC News Desk: The controversy surrounding the film Satluj has drawn a reaction from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). FWICE president BN Tiwari questioned actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh over his choice of films after Satluj was removed from ZEE5 in India.
Tiwari said he was surprised that Diljit often takes up projects that become controversial. He said that as a major star from Punjab, Diljit should carefully consider how such decisions may affect his public image and influence.
Tiwari emphasised the fact that films posing a risk of inciting unrest should be closely scrutinised. He also questioned why Satluj was allowed to be released if it had not passed the certification process.
"If something creates a problem in society, such content should be carefully reviewed. Cinema is meant to entertain and contain some information, but if the government repeatedly interferes or the censor board finds issues, it means there were elements in it that were not suitable for public viewing."
Tiwari also stressed that actors should not choose projects solely for financial reasons and should keep the country's interests and their social responsibility in mind when selecting films.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film focuses on his investigation into the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994.
The film was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but did not receive certification. The filmmakers had previously claimed that the CBFC asked for 127 cuts.
Satluj premiered on ZEE5 in India on Friday but was taken down from the platform on Sunday, surprising many viewers.
In a statement, ZEE5 said the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice due to the current situation. The platform added that it is working to bring the movie back to audiences through the appropriate legal and procedural channels as soon as possible.
- With inputs from agencies
