It united people: Satluj director rejects claim that film could aid hostile elements
Director Honey Trehan refutes claims that his film Satluj could be misused to disturb peace. He asserted it has united people in Punjab rather than dividing them.
Director Honey Trehan has dismissed the government's contention that his film Satluj could be misused by "hostile" elements, including Pakistan or separatist groups, saying there was no basis for such a claim. Defending the film amid the ongoing controversy, he argued that Satluj is bringing people together, not disrupting law and order in Punjab.
Speaking to Screen, Trehan questioned the government's argument that the film could disturb peace in the state.
"On the contrary, my film has actually united Punjab. You go to Punjab and see, people are watching the movie together," he said.
Responding to allegations that Satluj polarises society and deepens divisions between Hindus and Sikhs, Trehan said the reality on the ground was very different.
"They say my film is polarising society and dividing Hindus and Sikhs, but on the ground, the Hindus and Sikhs of Punjab are watching the movie together. It was not meant to provoke anybody. My film is a balm on the wounds of the people who suffered so much. I don't think there was any reason to ban it," he said.
Sources told India Today that the authorities feared the film could be exploited by Khalistani groups to mobilise support for what they described as a "dwindling pro-Khalistan movement".
The sources further said there were concerns that certain pro-Khalistan outfits were attempting to regain influence in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. They added that these security considerations formed the basis for the decision to remove the film from the streaming platform.
Director Honey Trehan reacts to film's ban
The controversy began after Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on Zee5 and was taken down within 48 hours. Since then, the film has reportedly been screened at multiple locations without certification, prompting the government to examine possible legal action.
Sources close to India Today have said state governments have been asked to act wherever the film is being exhibited without the required certificate. Meanwhile, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the film's restoration on Zee5.
Trehan also pointed out that there were no reports of unrest during the film's initial release.
"People were peacefully watching my movie in their homes for the first 48 hours. There were no issues with it. But the government banned the movie, and now it has become a movement," he said.
He added that the film has continued to be screened peacefully over the past 10 days, with community meals, or langar, being served at several screenings.
Questioning the rationale behind the government's decision, Trehan said, "What is more harmful for the law and order of this country? My film that has united people, or hate speeches by the politicians aimed at dividing us?"
He also criticised what he described as inconsistent standards in the treatment of films.
"Propaganda movies are endorsed by the government. And even if you say my movie is a propaganda film, then let it be released like you released other propaganda films. Why differentiate? We are a very big country. One film can't harm our social fabric," he said.
CBFC imposes 127 cuts on Satluj
According to government sources, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had proposed 127 cuts to the film during the certification process. Zee5 later removed Satluj from its platform in India, citing "current circumstances" without elaborating on the reason.
Soon after the takedown, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh shared a video urging audiences to watch the film despite its removal from the streaming platform.
Trehan, who has previously said he was "heartbroken" by the film's removal, maintained that Satluj had only encouraged dialogue rather than discord.
"The ban pushes you into a corner, and you're forced to ask yourself: Are we seriously living in a democratic country?" he said.
Speaking about the film's larger purpose, Trehan added, "Let his story be told. He has been disappointed with the way the government has treated him. This film had a different fate. But we are happy the story is resonating with the world. We are getting a very overwhelming response from the audience."
Satluj was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
Director Honey Trehan has dismissed the government's contention that his film Satluj could be misused by "hostile" elements, including Pakistan or separatist groups, saying there was no basis for such a claim. Defending the film amid the ongoing controversy, he argued that Satluj is bringing people together, not disrupting law and order in Punjab.
Speaking to Screen, Trehan questioned the government's argument that the film could disturb peace in the state.
"On the contrary, my film has actually united Punjab. You go to Punjab and see, people are watching the movie together," he said.
Responding to allegations that Satluj polarises society and deepens divisions between Hindus and Sikhs, Trehan said the reality on the ground was very different.
"They say my film is polarising society and dividing Hindus and Sikhs, but on the ground, the Hindus and Sikhs of Punjab are watching the movie together. It was not meant to provoke anybody. My film is a balm on the wounds of the people who suffered so much. I don't think there was any reason to ban it," he said.
Sources told India Today that the authorities feared the film could be exploited by Khalistani groups to mobilise support for what they described as a "dwindling pro-Khalistan movement".
The sources further said there were concerns that certain pro-Khalistan outfits were attempting to regain influence in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. They added that these security considerations formed the basis for the decision to remove the film from the streaming platform.
Director Honey Trehan reacts to film's ban
The controversy began after Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on Zee5 and was taken down within 48 hours. Since then, the film has reportedly been screened at multiple locations without certification, prompting the government to examine possible legal action.
Sources close to India Today have said state governments have been asked to act wherever the film is being exhibited without the required certificate. Meanwhile, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the film's restoration on Zee5.
Trehan also pointed out that there were no reports of unrest during the film's initial release.
"People were peacefully watching my movie in their homes for the first 48 hours. There were no issues with it. But the government banned the movie, and now it has become a movement," he said.
He added that the film has continued to be screened peacefully over the past 10 days, with community meals, or langar, being served at several screenings.
Questioning the rationale behind the government's decision, Trehan said, "What is more harmful for the law and order of this country? My film that has united people, or hate speeches by the politicians aimed at dividing us?"
He also criticised what he described as inconsistent standards in the treatment of films.
"Propaganda movies are endorsed by the government. And even if you say my movie is a propaganda film, then let it be released like you released other propaganda films. Why differentiate? We are a very big country. One film can't harm our social fabric," he said.
CBFC imposes 127 cuts on Satluj
According to government sources, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had proposed 127 cuts to the film during the certification process. Zee5 later removed Satluj from its platform in India, citing "current circumstances" without elaborating on the reason.
Soon after the takedown, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh shared a video urging audiences to watch the film despite its removal from the streaming platform.
Trehan, who has previously said he was "heartbroken" by the film's removal, maintained that Satluj had only encouraged dialogue rather than discord.
"The ban pushes you into a corner, and you're forced to ask yourself: Are we seriously living in a democratic country?" he said.
Speaking about the film's larger purpose, Trehan added, "Let his story be told. He has been disappointed with the way the government has treated him. This film had a different fate. But we are happy the story is resonating with the world. We are getting a very overwhelming response from the audience."
Satluj was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
