Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj, previously known as Punjab 95, has been drawn back into controversy after a brief appearance on ZEE5. Based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the project reached the streaming platform on July 3 following years of delays and disputes linked to censorship.
Less than two days later, however, it disappeared from the service in India, with ZEE5 stating that the title would remain unavailable until further notice. Amid the fallout, a new report indicates that the Centre is examining possible changes to the Information Technology Act that would require certification for every film released for public viewing, including those debuting exclusively on OTT platforms without a theatrical run.
The dispute has also become a political issue in Punjab ahead of the Assembly elections, prompting reactions from both the ruling AAP and the Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal. AAP has condemned the film’s removal from ZEE5, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was behind the decision. Meanwhile, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has declared that his party will organise screenings of the film across villages and towns in Punjab. According to him, the effort is intended to acquaint younger generations with the alleged atrocities suffered by the Sikh community during the Congress government's rule. As the debate gathers momentum, officials in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry told Indian Express that support is increasing for amendments to the IT rules that would make certification compulsory for every film made available for public viewing, including releases that bypass cinemas.
An official told the portal, “Since viewership has shifted from the traditional to OTT and other platforms, there is a proposal for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to regulate the content that is for public viewing. A communication was sent (by CBFC) to them (filmmakers) in May 2023 prohibiting its release, citing reasons. They went to the court initially, but later, after seeing the reasons given by the Board, they decided to withdraw the case. This may be because the producer felt the court would stall the film forever, or the producers may have filed the petition as a pressure tactic against CBFC but realised the gravity of the concerns already expressed by CBFC."
The same official said the Bombay High Court disposed of the matter on January 7, 2025. After withdrawing their petition in January 2025, the producers, according to the official, did not approach the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to address the unresolved issues. The report further states that the filmmakers kept the film in its original form, changing only its title from Punjab 95 to Satluj. It also says ZEE5 informed the ministry that it had not been aware of the developments that occurred in 2022 and 2023 when it was asked to explain why the film had been released.
Government officials have argued that several factors justify restricting the film’s release. They contend that the narrative predominantly attributes responsibility for mass killings, disappearances and illegal cremations to the State, asserting that the film goes beyond highlighting isolated instances of excess and instead depicts the government’s counter-insurgency campaign as a broader system of institutional oppression.
The report adds that officials believe the matter must also be considered against Punjab’s present security environment. According to them, the film’s emotionally charged portrayal of the militancy period has the potential to revive grievances among younger viewers and members of the Sikh diaspora. They further alleged that pro-Khalistan groups and Pakistan-based entities are already circulating the film’s narrative to encourage anti-India sentiment.
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