Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’, previously titled ‘Punjab ’95’, was taken off OTT within 48 hours of streaming on the platform on Friday. In response to this, standup comedian Kunal Kamra wrote an open letter to the CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshiwhich took issue with the original objections raised against the film and its subsequent removal from OTT. The film faced censorship hurdles for more than three years while trying to secure a theatrical release, but in the end it was not released in theaters.
Kunal Kamra questions CBFC’s jurisdiction over OTT
Reacting to the film being pulled from the OTT platform, Kamra posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Can you please enlighten us as to why 127 cuts were recommended for the film Punjab ’95? The same film, now renamed Satluj, was pulled from an OTT platform in less than two days. The CBFC has no jurisdiction over OTT platforms or international releases. Punjab ’95 tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a man who exposed documented human rights abuses and paid for it with his life. If a film based on documented facts is not seen by the Indian audience, then the public deserves to know why. This sends a direct message to filmmakers and production companies. if you are honoring a great personality from the minority community, you have to face the CBFC”.
Kunal Kamra criticized the double standards of the censor board
Kamra called out the censor board for its inconsistent approach, urging journalists to pose “some hard questions” to the authorities about why some politically sensitive films were cleared without fuss while others were stuck for years. He also pointed to the power of the filmmakers’ board, questioning how it feels to “celebrate four years of a director’s career. Journalists should ask the people who run this censor board some tough questions. Why do some politically insensitive films make the cut while others spend years in limbo? A red carpet for Kashmir Files, Bengal Files, and: Kerala: Story: Rose for Dhurandar 1 & 2, a fictional documentary/explainer for the unthinkable and the unexplainable. How does it feel to celebrate four years of a director’s career?
Kunal Kamra called the name of Jaswant Singh Khalra
He wrapped up his note by drawing a contrast between the present situation and the past legal and democratic norms. He ended his letter with, “In Nehru’s India, this would have been litigated in court. If filmmakers cannot tell the stories of people who stood up for justice without years of obstruction, what kind of cinema are we encouraged to make? Jaswant Singh Khalra Kidnapped again, This time by the CBFC.”
About ‘Satluj’
Led by: Honey Trehan‘Satluj’ tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, played by: Diljit Dosanjhwho began investigating cases of alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab.