From ‘Aandhi’ to ‘Satluj’: Before the Diljit Dosanjh starrer, these Bollywood and regional films faced bans, delays and severe legal and CBFC rows The sudden removal of Diljit Dosanjh‘s ‘Satluj’ from ZEE5 has reignited conversations around censorship in India. The film, which had already spent years in limbo over certification issues, was taken off the streaming platform just days after its release, prompting widespread debate online. Over the decades, several Indian films have either been banned, delayed, heavily censored or withdrawn due to political sensitivities, legal disputes, religious concerns or explicit content. Here’s a look at some of the most notable examples.
‘Aandhi’ (1975)
Directed by Gulzar, the political drama ran into trouble during the Emergency despite enjoying a successful theatrical release. The film was pulled from cinemas because its central female politician was widely believed to resemble then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The story revolves around a politician who reunites with her estranged husband years after their marriage falls apart, blending politics with an emotional personal narrative.
‘Ore Oru Gramathiley’ (1987)
This Tamil film courted controversy for its take on caste-based reservations. Following protests, the Tamil Nadu government prohibited its exhibition after release. The film tells the story of a father who secures a fake caste certificate for his daughter to improve her chances of college admission. When the truth comes to light, the family faces serious consequences. The ban was later overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing the film to be screened.
‘Bandit Queen’ (1994)
Shekhar Kapur’s acclaimed biographical drama on Phoolan Devi remains one of India’s most discussed censorship cases. The CBFC initially refused clearance over scenes depicting nudity, sexual violence and abusive language. Phoolan Devi herself also objected to the portrayal of her life. After legal proceedings and cuts, the Supreme Court permitted its release, and the film eventually won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
‘Black Friday’ (2004)
Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Black Friday’, based on the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, remained unreleased for nearly three years despite being completed in 2004. The Bombay High Court stayed its release because the terror-related cases were still pending before the TADA court. Authorities feared the film could influence judicial proceedings. It finally reached theatres in 2007 after the verdict in the blast case.
‘Hava Aney Dey’ (2004)
Partho Sen Gupta’s ‘Hava Aney Dey’ never received a commercial release in India despite earning praise internationally. Set in Mumbai, the film explores the effects of economic liberalisation through the lives of two brothers. The CBFC reportedly suggested extensive cuts that would have reduced the film’s runtime to nearly 20 minutes. Refusing to accept the changes, the filmmaker chose not to release it in India.
‘Satluj’
Honey Trehan’s ‘Satluj’, starring Diljit Dosanjh, endured one of the longest certification struggles in recent years. Submitted to the CBFC in 2022, the film reportedly remained under review for nearly three years, with the board seeking 127 cuts. After finally premiering uncut on ZEE5 on July 3, the film was unexpectedly removed from the platform within two days. In its statement, ZEE5 said, “‘Satluj’ will be unavailable in India until further notice.” Inspired by real-life events, the film chronicles the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and has become the latest addition to the long list of Indian films that have faced censorship-related setbacks.