Annu Kapoor backs Satluj OTT takedown, tells Diljit Dosanjh: ‘Why indulge in self-pity? Go to Supreme Court’
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Diljit Dosanjh 's Satluj landed in row after being taken down from ZEE5 just two days after its rollout. The government's decision reignited the conversation around censorship and creative freedom, drawing mixed reactions from across the movie industry after it took three years to rollout the movie. While many have spoken against the move, veteran star Annu Kapoor has come out in support of the government's stand, saying the makers should fight the matter legally instead of seeking public sympathy.
Adding to this, Annu Kapoor talks about the OTT removal of Satluj. Directed by Honey Trehan, the movie was originally titled Punjab 95 and has spent years caught in a battle over certification. It eventually skipped a theatrical rollout and premiered directly on ZEE5 on July 3, since OTT platforms do not require CBFC certification. But within 48 hours, the movie disappeared from the platform after the government directed ZEE5 to remove it, as per reports over concerns related to national security.
Meanwhile, In conversation with Kadak, Annu Kapoor shared the filmmakers should follow the legal process instead of taking the issue to the public. He maintained that if they disagree with the government's decision or the CBFC's objections, the right course of action is to approach the Supreme Court rather than seek support through public debate.
Notably, “If that's the case, then take the matter to the Supreme Court. If the Censor Board has declared such a movie unacceptable, then knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. There is a proper channel to follow, isn't there? What's the point of crying about it?” Annu shared.
As per the latest buzz, Annu Kapoor also reacted to Diljit Dosanjh's earlier remarks about keeping art separate from politics. He shared anyone making a movie on a subject as sensitive as Satluj would have known it could run into row. In his view, if the makers believe they have been treated unfairly, the answer lies in challenging the decision legally, not by appealing to public sympathy.
In further updates, “You acted in the movie, and the rules clearly state that if the Censor Board does not grant it a certificate, you should go to the Supreme Court. Everyone knows that this is a controversial subject, and now you're begging the public for sympathy. Why indulge in self-pity? Go to the Supreme Court. What's the point of crying over it?” he shared.
On top of that, Annu Kapoor also backed the government's concerns, saying that if a movie is believed to have the potential to affect national security or disturb public order, those warnings should be taken seriously. For him, preserving peace and social harmony outweighs the rollout of any movie.
Explaining his stand, he questioned whether the rollout of a movie could ever be more important than preventing violence and unrest. He shared that, as someone from the movie industry, his priority would always be a peaceful society over any movie making it to audiences.
Source: Hindustan Times