Filmmaker Onir has brought attention to the inconsistent treatment by Indian regulatory authorities, particularly the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), towards films that address various political themes. His comments are in light of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s recent decision to remove Honey Trehan’s historical investigative film, *Satluj*, featuring Diljit Dosanjh, from the ZEE5 streaming platform just two days post-release, claiming it did not meet CBFC guidelines.
In a post on X, Onir referenced the newly released teaser for Neeraj Yadav’s action thriller, *Chauhaan*, which stars Ajay Devgn and revolves around the contentious issue of stone pelting in Kashmir. He expressed his belief that this film would likely face no obstacles from the CBFC or be pulled from any platform, despite its potentially inflammatory subject matter. “In contrast, a significant film based on REAL FACTS, presented in a way that does not incite hate, will undoubtedly face challenges,” he remarked.
*Satluj*, formerly known as *Punjab ’95*, has been embroiled in censorship disputes for three years, with the CBFC requesting as many as 127 edits to permit its theatrical release. The board even instructed the filmmakers to change the title and eliminate references to Punjab, fearing it could offend the local populace. Meanwhile, the teaser for *Chauhaan*, which appears to criticize the stone pelting incidents in Kashmir, has been freely shared on platforms like YouTube and social media.
Onir compared the promotional material for *Chauhaan* to his own recent experiences with the CBFC, recounting that he was advised by the board’s review committee that depicting stone throwing in Kashmir was unacceptable, even though his film portrayed the act more as a spontaneous reaction rather than organized violence. He noted the irony of seeing a film with a similar premise being promoted without issue.
Although it remains uncertain whether *Chauhaan* will receive CBFC approval without significant edits, recent history has shown that several film teasers have been withdrawn due to accusations of defaming specific communities. For instance, *Ghooskhor Pandit*, a Netflix India crime thriller directed by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, was retracted shortly after release following backlash from the Brahmin community. The controversy surrounding stone pelting also extends to the Rajput community, with groups like Kshatriya Prashad distancing themselves from such actions.
Onir has openly criticized the removal of *Satluj* from ZEE5, labeling the situation as “infuriating and very, very sad.” He shared the platform’s statement confirming the film’s unavailability in India and commented on a news report suggesting that the film might be exploited by “anti-India forces.” In response, he argued that such concerns should not lead to the banning of important films; rather, the focus should be on accountability, asserting that those who misuse content will find other reasons regardless.
He also expressed disappointment regarding the Indian film industry’s lack of a unified response to the ban on *Satluj*, emphasizing, “How can we surrender our right to tell stories… especially such powerful sensitive stories?” He warned that democracy could falter if dissent against film censorship is not voiced, stating, “This democracy will die unless we all speak up against the ban on the film.”
Earlier this week, Onir hinted at a new project titled “THE PUNJAB STORY,” advocating for an end to the selective banning of films. He lamented that Indian citizens are deprived of watching a significant film like *Satluj*, which he believes encourages viewers to demand accountability. “Those outside the country are still enjoying the film; the issue lies in its ability to prompt critical questioning,” he stated, noting the film’s continued availability for international audiences on ZEE5.
This year, during an interview on Screen Spotlight, *Satluj* director Honey Trehan commented on the prevailing polarization in the Indian film industry. He questioned how films that address sensitive topics, such as *The Kashmir Files* (2022) and *The Kerala Story* (2023), not only get released but also receive tax exemptions and accolades in Parliament, while *Satluj* faces censorship. He pointed out that the law and order situation in Punjab is treated differently from that in other states, suggesting that films with negative portrayals of certain communities might be more favorably received.
*Satluj* depicts the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist portrayed by Diljit Dosanjh, who was abducted and killed for exposing the unlawful deaths and cremations of over 2,500 individuals in Punjab, involving the state police.
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