Satluj Controversy: Director Honey Trehan Reveals Government Was Unaware Of Diljit Dosanjh Starrer’s OTT Release; Says, “I Was Heartbroken”

Satluj director Honey Trehan has disclosed that the government was unaware of the release of Diljit Dosanjh’s film on ZEE5, an OTT platform. In a recent interview, the filmmaker revealed that while the authorities were not informed beforehand, the OTT platform received a letter from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) after the film’s premiere. Satluj was launched on ZEE5 earlier this month but was removed from the platform within 48 hours. Scroll down to read what happened.

Director Honey Trehan Reveals Government Was Unaware Of Satluj OTT Release

“No, I don’t think the government knew about the release… I have no knowledge about that. As for their reaction, that is evidently clear… the world can see. I did not get any calls from them. Neither my producers nor I were contacted. But Zee5 received a letter from the (I&B) Ministry to stop the film,” Trehan told The Indian Express.

Satluj was released on ZEE5 on July 3 but was taken down shortly after. Speaking about this, Trehan said, “I was heartbroken… The ban pushes you into a corner, and you start questioning… are we really living in a democratic country?”

Honey Compares Satluj & History

He further drew a parallel to history. “Thirty-one years ago, Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted and killed by the Punjab Police. Back then, the Centre played a significant role in delivering justice. Today, after 31 years, Khalra is being abducted again… All I ask the Centre is to have a big heart, be kind to us, and let us tell his story to the world. Do not abduct Khalra again. I want the Centre to show larger-heartedness and give him the freedom… Let his story be told. He has been disappointed with the way the government has treated him. This film had a different fate, but we are happy that the story is resonating with the world. We are receiving an overwhelming response from the audience,” he concluded. He urged the government to allow the film’s release in India.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarified that Satluj was released before the necessary certification process was completed. The Centre stated that the OTT release did not meet regulatory requirements, prompting the platform to remove the film from its Indian catalogue. “Satluj did not have the required certification for a theatrical release. Instead of following the certification process, the makers changed the film’s title and launched it on an OTT platform on Friday,” an official from the Ministry told ANI.

About Satluj

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged illegal cremations and extrajudicial killings in Punjab during the militancy period of the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, the film is not available for viewing in India.

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Also Read: Satluj Controversy: Diljit Dosanjh Starrer Screening Begins In Punjab; VIRAL Video Shows Massive Crowd Watching Film- Watch

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.