‘Sutluj’ movie row reopens Punjab’s militancy wounds, could deepen radical undercurrents: Ashwani Kumar
A film titled 'Sutluj' was pulled from an OTT platform due to security concerns, reigniting debate over Punjab's past militancy and allegations of police excesses. Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar warns that while free expression is important, the film could inflame radical sentiments, especially given recent electoral successes of jailed radical figures, and that the ban might be counterproductive.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between artistic freedom and public safety in a region with a history of extremism, and the potential for media to influence social and political stability.
The controversy over Sutluj , the film pulled off an OTT platform within two days of its release over security concerns, has reopened one of Punjab’s most sensitive faultlines: the dark phase of militancy and the allegations of police excesses used to crush it.
The article presents a balanced perspective from a former minister, acknowledging both free expression and security concerns, without taking a definitive stance on the film's content or the ban itself.
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