'If The Kashmir Files Can Exist, Why Not Satluj?': Co-Writer Niren Bhatt Rejects 'Anti-India' Claim Over Diljit Dosanjh Film

The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj has taken a fresh turn after co-writer Niren Bhatt rejected claims that the film could be used as "anti-India" propaganda. Questioning the lack of transparency behind the film's removal from ZEE5, Bhatt said the argument "simply does not hold" and called for an open dialogue instead of silence.

Sometimes, the biggest debate around a film has little to do with what appears on screen.

Days after Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj was removed from ZEE5, the conversation has shifted from the film itself to the reasons behind its removal. Co-writer Niren Bhatt has raised doubts about the government's process of certification and the possibility that the movie might be used by anti-India groups.

Niren Bhatt rejects 'anti-India' argument

Speaking to Variety India, Bhatt dismissed reports that Satluj could be exploited as propaganda by anti-India elements. His remarks came after an NDTV report said there were concerns within the administration that the film could be used by anti-India groups.

Rejecting the claim, Bhatt said, "That argument simply does not hold. If The Kashmir Files can exist, if The Kerala Story can exist, why can they exist without being labelled tools for international forces? Why is our film the chosen one that will suddenly be misused by extreme elements?"

Bhatt argued that a biographical film should not be judged based on speculative assumptions, adding that suppressing such a film through "far-fetched, paranoid conclusions" made little sense.

Co-writer questions silence over certification

Bhatt also criticised what he described as years of uncertainty surrounding the film's certification. According to him, the filmmakers never received a clear explanation about what authorities objected to. 

He said there had been "pin-drop silence" from the certification authorities, leaving the team without any indication of which scenes or issues required changes. Bhatt further questioned ZEE5's statement that referred only to "current developments" without explaining what those developments actually were. "If there is a problem, let us have a dialogue," he said, adding that meaningful discussion becomes impossible when a film is removed without explanation.

Why was Satluj removed from ZEE5?

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has stated that the movie has been released on the OTT platform before the proper certification process. According to government sources, almost 100 cuts were recommended during the certification process. According to officials, instead of implementing those changes, the makers released the film on ZEE5 under a different title, leading to its removal due to security concerns. The ministry has also said it did not receive any representation from the filmmakers seeking reconsideration before the OTT release. 

ZEE5 confirms removal

In confirmation of the takedown, ZEE5 stated that the film would not be available in India "until further notice" while due process is being carried out. The platform further stated that it was looking for suitable channels to re-release the movie. 

What is Satluj about?

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj, previously associated with the title Punjab 95, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented alleged illegal cremations and disappearances during Punjab's militancy period. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.

Why the debate is likely to continue

The discussion around Satluj has now expanded beyond one film. It has sparked broader debate about the political sensitivity of film certification, the process of informing filmmakers of certification decisions and whether there is uniformity in standards.

The government claims the removal was due to certification and security issues, but the filmmakers insist that more transparency is needed when creative works are restricted.