Government Security Concerns Lead to ‘Satluj’ Removal From ZEE5: Sources

The government has directed OTT platform ZEE5 to take down Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj, citing “security concerns” and the platform’s obligations under.

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, government sources said on Monday.

The film, which began streaming uncut on ZEE5 on Friday, was removed from the platform on Sunday evening. The government’s action comes amid growing support for the film’s release from political parties in Punjab and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Diljit Dosanjh also appealed to audiences to watch the film “wherever and however” they could.

According to a government official, the film was originally submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under its original title, Punjab ’95. However, the filmmakers did not accept the 127 cuts recommended by the censor board, preventing it from securing certification for a theatrical release.

“The makers chose not to implement the CBFC’s suggested cuts and instead quietly released the film on an OTT platform under a different title. Although OTT releases do not require CBFC certification, the government stepped in after the release came to its notice. ZEE5 was asked to remove the film because of security concerns and to comply with its obligations under the IT Rules, 2021. If the makers intend to release the film in theatres or on OTT, they must adhere to the prescribed regulatory framework,” the official told PTI.