Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has dismissed allegations that the Centre was responsible for the removal of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’ from the OTT platform Zee5, instead suggesting that the film’s makers withdrew it after achieving their commercial objective.Reacting to the controversy, Bittu questioned why the government would allow the film to be released if it intended to ban or remove it. He also referred to Diljit Dosanjh’s earlier statement that the film would remain available on the platform for only a few days, saying it should have raised suspicions.”If the government really wanted to remove the film, it would never have allowed it to stream in the first place,” Bittu said. “It seems that once they had earned the required money, the makers removed the film. The government has no control over OTT platforms.”The minister also criticised Dosanjh over his previous film ‘Chamkila’, claiming the actor was driven by financial interests. Taking a personal swipe, Bittu remarked that Dosanjh was “sitting in big mansions in Los Angeles” and was disconnected from the concerns of Punjab.The controversy centres on ‘Satluj’, previously titled ‘Punjab ’95’, which is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film explores Khalra’s investigation into thousands of unidentified cremations in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra disappeared in 1995, and in subsequent years, several Punjab Police personnel were convicted in connection with his abduction and murder.After facing censorship delays for more than three years, the film was released uncut on Zee5 on July 3 under its new title before being removed from the platform two days later. Its sudden takedown has triggered criticism from political parties and Sikh organisations in Punjab, with many demanding an explanation for its removal.
Union Minister Ravneet Bittu Targets Diljit Dosanjh Amid ‘Satluj’ OTT Row
