Key Facts
Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh, acclaimed for his role in Mrs, has once again won hearts as the antagonist in Honey Trehan's Satluj (formerly Punjab 95). The film premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was removed just 48 hours later. Despite this, pirated copies are circulating online, with viewers praising Singh's performance.
Naseeruddin Shah's Praise
In a recent interview, Kanwaljit Singh shared that the most memorable response came from Naseeruddin Shah. 'The thing that made me happiest was that Naseer called me and said some very kind things. That meant a lot to me,' Singh said. He added that Shah tried to speak in Punjabi but his accent was terrible, yet his words were heartening. 'I consider him one of the greatest actors in the world,' Singh remarked.
Reaction to Film's Removal
Singh believes the film's removal stems from an unwillingness to confront the truth. 'They couldn't digest the truth. That's the only explanation,' he stated. He argued that the ban only fueled public curiosity and pushed audiences toward piracy. 'The whole purpose of taking it off is completely defeated,' he added.
Legal Action and Freedom of Speech
Singh revealed that director Honey Trehan plans to take the matter to court. 'What is this freedom of speech? That right is being strangled,' Singh questioned. He noted that the ban has made the film more popular, but producers will lose revenue due to illegal downloads.
Background of the Controversy
Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after being unreleased for nearly four years. Reports indicate the Centre directed ZEE5 to remove the film citing 'security concerns' under the IT Rules, 2021. The makers had applied for CBFC certification in 2022 but refused to implement 127 suggested cuts. A government official stated that OTT platforms are not under CBFC jurisdiction, but when the matter came to notice, ZEE was asked to take it down.
About the Film
Satluj revisits Punjab's darkest period, exploring disappearances, alleged extrajudicial killings, and illegal detentions during the 1980s-90s counter-insurgency. It follows human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated illegal cremations before his own disappearance. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
FAQ
- Why was the film Satluj removed from ZEE5? The film was removed following a government directive citing security concerns and obligations under the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The makers had not implemented 127 cuts suggested by the CBFC for theatrical release.
- What did Naseeruddin Shah say about Kanwaljit Singh's performance? Naseeruddin Shah called Kanwaljit Singh and praised his performance, saying he didn't recognize him and calling it 'fantastic'.
- What is the film Satluj about? Satluj revisits Punjab's dark period of counter-insurgency in the 1980s-90s, focusing on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra who investigated illegal cremations and disappearances.
- Is there any legal action planned for Satluj? Yes, the makers are considering taking the matter to court to restore the film on the streaming platform.