Diljit Dosanjh’s latest film Satluj, which quietly premiered on Zee5 on Friday, was taken down from the streaming platform in an unexpected and sudden move. A new report by PTI has now claimed that the Centre directed the OTT platform to remove the film, citing “security concerns” and compliance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The film, directed by Honey Trehan, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

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Why was the film removed?

According to a government official quoted by PTI, the film was originally submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under the title Panjab 95. The CBFC reportedly suggested 127 cuts, but the filmmakers did not implement those changes, preventing the film from securing certification for a theatrical release.

“They kept sitting on the suggested cuts and eventually released the movie quietly on OTT with a new title. OTT does not come under the CBFC’s jurisdiction. When the matter came to the government’s notice, Zee was asked to take the film down. The direction was given due to security concerns. The OTT platform was asked to follow the obligations under intermediary guidelines. If they want to release the film in theatres and OTT, they should follow the laid down norms,” the official told PTI.

Unlike theatrical releases, streaming platforms are regulated under Part III of the IT Rules, 2021, and are not required to obtain CBFC certification.

Diljit says he expected it

Responding to the film’s removal during an Instagram Live session from the US, where he is currently on tour, Diljit Dosanjh said he had anticipated such a development.

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“I had a feeling on Friday that something like this would happen. This was already on my mind. It is not something to be shocked about (the ban). I thought that it would be banned on Monday when the offices open. But I did not have an idea that it would happen on Sunday evening itself. We did not even promote the film, we released it just like that. If we had promoted it, it would not have lasted even two days. But I am satisfied that people have seen the film, it has reached them,” he said in Punjabi.

He also appealed to audiences to ensure the film reaches more people, saying, “It was very important that it should reach you and that has happened…I am thankful that what we wanted to say and how we wanted to say it have been conveyed. It is your film, and you can watch it the way you want.”

Meanwhile, Zee5 said it is trying to restore the film on its platform. “We are doing our bit to bring ‘Satluj’ back. Please do yours – don’t support piracy. We remain committed to exploring every possible avenue to bring ‘Satluj’ back to you,” the platform said.

While Satluj is currently unavailable for viewers in India, it continues to stream on Zee5 in several international markets.

FAQs:

Why was Satluj removed from Zee5?

A PTI report claims the Centre directed Zee5 to remove it, citing security concerns and IT Rules, 2021.

Is Satluj available to watch outside India?

Yes, the film continues to stream on Zee5 in international markets.