Anurag Kashyap Slams CBFC on 'Satluj' Ban, Alleges Arbitrary Decision!
Anurag Kashyap Slams CBFC on 'Satluj' Ban, Alleges Arbitrary Decision!
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap claims CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi objected to the film 'Satluj' without watching it, leading to its controversial withdrawal from ZEE5. Director Honey Trehan calls the ban an 'abduction' of activis
The film industry is buzzing with controversy surrounding the recent ban and withdrawal of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer 'Satluj' from streaming platform ZEE5, barely days after its release. Prominent filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has stepped forward as a vocal advocate against the decision, shedding light on the alleged arbitrary nature of the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) actions.
Kashyap revealed details from a private conversation with 'Satluj' director Honey Trehan, alleging that CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi had not even watched the period investigative thriller before raising objections. "Honey says Prasoon Joshi had objections with the film. He hadn’t seen the film," Kashyap stated, adding that this is not an isolated incident and that the CBFC chief often makes decisions based solely on reports from his Examining Committee members. This, according to Kashyap, leads to "arbitrary decisions," with no clear reasons provided for the film's withdrawal.
Director Honey Trehan corroborated the lack of direct communication, stating, "I did not get any calls from them. I had nothing to do. Neither my producers nor I got any calls." However, ZEE5 reportedly received a direct letter from the Information & Broadcasting Ministry instructing them to pull the film.
This isn't the first hurdle for the film, originally titled 'Punjab '95,' which has been battling censorship for three years. Before its ZEE5 release, Joshi, despite allegedly not viewing the film, reportedly demanded an astonishing 127 cuts, including the complete erasure of all references to Punjab. The makers also claim they were "threatened" to withdraw a court case against the CBFC when they were close to a favorable judgment.
Honey Trehan has passionately defended his film, which is inspired by the work of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, calling the ban an act where "Jaswant Singh Khalra is being abducted again." Trehan dismisses claims of the film being propaganda, asserting that it fosters unity, with Hindus and Sikhs in Punjab watching it together peacefully. However, officials have cited that the film was released without completing the mandatory certification process, a claim that stands in contrast to the filmmakers' narrative of arbitrary withdrawal and no clear reasons.
