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Mumbai, July 11
Actor Tillotama Shome has termed the removal of Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj from streaming platform ZEE5 as “heartbreaking”, saying the episode reflects the continuing challenges surrounding creative freedom in Indian cinema. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on the platform on July 3 before being withdrawn two days later.
Government sources said the film was removed due to security concerns and in compliance with the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
Speaking about the development, Shome said filmmakers devote years of hard work to bringing stories to audiences and should have the freedom to tell the stories they believe in. She said people in a democracy should have the freedom to choose what they want to watch, adding that the debate over creative expression extends far beyond a single film.
The film, which was earlier titled Punjab ’95, remained under certification for more than three years after the Central Board of Film Certification reportedly recommended over 127 cuts. It was eventually released on ZEE5 in its original uncut version before being taken down from the platform. Reflecting on the filmmaking process, Shome said making films has always involved challenges, differing opinions and complex considerations. Despite these hurdles, she expressed confidence that storytellers will continue creating meaningful cinema because the urge to tell stories cannot be suppressed.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994 before disappearing in 1995. The film revisits a significant chapter in Punjab’s history through Khalra’s work and legacy. Shome is currently seen in the Netflix legal thriller Ikka, which also stars Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna and premiered on the streaming platform on Friday.
