The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj has deepened, with the Central government constituting a high-level inter-departmental committee to review the film after it was abruptly removed from streaming platform ZEE5 just days after its release.
The move comes amid an ongoing debate over the film’s certification, its depiction of sensitive historical events and concerns raised by the government. The committee, formed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, will examine the content of the film and recommend the next course of action.
Centre orders fresh review of Satluj
According to reports, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has referred the matter to the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), a statutory body empowered to examine complaints related to digital content published on OTT platforms.
The panel comprises representatives from multiple ministries and government departments and is expected to assess whether Satluj complies with the provisions of the IT Rules. Based on its findings, the committee may recommend appropriate action to the government.
The latest development follows the film’s brief availability on ZEE5 before it was taken down from the platform.
Why was the film removed?
Satluj, originally titled Punjab 95, began streaming on ZEE5 earlier this month but disappeared from the platform within two days.
Government sources later said the film had become available before the certification process had been completed. Reports also suggested that authorities had expressed concerns over certain portions of the film, citing potential security implications.
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The removal triggered widespread criticism from sections of the film fraternity, political leaders and social media users, many of whom questioned the decision to pull the film after its digital release.
A film that has faced years of hurdles
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal cremation of unidentified bodies during Punjab’s militancy era in the 1990s.
The project has remained at the centre of controversy for several years. The film reportedly encountered multiple obstacles during the certification process, delaying its release despite being completed long ago.
Following its surprise OTT release, Trehan revealed that the launch had been planned in complete secrecy, with only a handful of people, including lead actor Diljit Dosanjh, being informed beforehand. The film’s sudden removal soon after release added another chapter to its long and complicated journey.
Debate over censorship grows louder
The takedown of Satluj has reignited conversations around censorship, creative freedom and the regulation of digital content in India.
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Several political leaders in Punjab criticised the removal, arguing that historical narratives should be allowed to reach audiences without undue restrictions. Families connected to the events portrayed in the film have also reportedly expressed disappointment over the decision.
With the Centre’s newly formed committee now set to examine the film, all eyes will be on its recommendations, which could determine whether Satluj returns to streaming platforms or faces further regulatory scrutiny.
FAQs
Why has the Centre formed a high-level committee for Satluj?
The committee has been constituted under the IT Rules, 2021, to examine the content of Satluj following complaints and concerns raised after its brief release on ZEE5.
Why was Satluj removed from ZEE5?
According to reports, the film was taken down after the Centre said it had been made available before the certification process was completed and cited security-related concerns.
