Mumbai, 03 November (H.S.): Honey Trehan, director of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’, has expressed strong displeasure over the new guidelines issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Describing the board’s latest directives as an expression of “cowardice and authoritarianism”, Trehan has raised concerns over the state of freedom of expression in the country.

Sharing the film’s poster on social media, Trehan wrote that the new guidelines reflected cowardice and authoritarianism in the country. He also suggested that they indicated a lack of democratic approach towards freedom of expression.

Trehan’s remarks come at a time when his own film, ‘Satluj’, has faced a prolonged struggle over censor certification and legal proceedings. Based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film was released on the OTT platform ZEE5 earlier this year following a lengthy legal battle. However, it was taken down from the platform just two days after its release. Diljit Dosanjh plays the lead role in the film.

The CBFC had issued a fresh advisory for filmmakers on November 2, introducing several changes to the certification process. Under the new guidelines, filmmakers will no longer be allowed to submit incomplete films for certification. All graphics, songs, background music and other technical work must be completed before a film is submitted to the board.

The board has also clarified that the title of a film mentioned in promotional material or in the certification application will not necessarily be considered final and may be changed during the review process. Furthermore, a release date announced by the filmmaker will not place any pressure on the certification process. The CBFC has maintained that films will be certified strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar