Centre Eyes Mandatory CBFC Clearance for OTT Films Amid Diljit Dosanjh Controversy

Centre Mulls Mandatory CBFC Certification for OTT Films Amid ‘Satluj’ Controversy: Report

The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj has reportedly prompted the Centre to consider bringing films released directly on OTT platforms under the ambit of mandatory certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

According to a report by The Indian Express, the government is examining amendments to the Information Technology framework that would require all films meant for public viewing—including direct-to-digital releases—to obtain CBFC certification, a requirement that currently applies only to theatrical releases.

The move comes days after Satluj, originally titled Punjab 95, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 following years of delays linked to censorship issues. However, the film was removed from the platform in India within 48 hours, with ZEE5 stating that it would remain unavailable until further notice.

Inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film has remained at the centre of a prolonged dispute over certification and its depiction of Punjab’s militancy era.

Government Reviewing OTT Certification Framework

Quoting government officials, the report said there is growing support within the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for expanding certification requirements to OTT releases as audience consumption increasingly shifts from cinemas to streaming platforms.

An official told the publication that the CBFC had written to the filmmakers in May 2023, asking them not to release the film while outlining its objections. Although the producers initially challenged the communication in court, they later withdrew their petition.

According to the official, the Bombay High Court disposed of the case on January 7, 2025, after the petition was withdrawn. The producers allegedly did not approach the CBFC again to resolve the pending certification issues.

The report further claimed that while the film’s title was changed from Punjab 95 to Satluj, the original version of the film remained largely intact. It also said ZEE5 informed the ministry that it was unaware of the earlier developments related to the film’s certification when asked to explain its release.

Punjab Politics Enters the Debate

The issue has also acquired political overtones ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised the removal of the film from ZEE5, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was behind the decision. On the other hand, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has announced plans to organise public screenings of the film across villages and towns in Punjab.

According to Badal, the initiative is aimed at familiarising younger generations with the alleged human rights violations faced by the Sikh community during the militancy period.

Security Concerns Cited

Government officials, as quoted in the report, argued that the film portrays the State as being responsible for mass killings, enforced disappearances and illegal cremations, and goes beyond highlighting individual excesses by depicting the government’s counter-insurgency campaign as systemic oppression.

Officials also expressed concerns that the film’s emotionally charged subject matter could revive historical grievances among younger audiences and sections of the Sikh diaspora. They further alleged that narratives surrounding the film are being amplified by pro-Khalistan groups and Pakistan-based entities to fuel anti-India sentiment.

If implemented, the proposed changes would mark a significant shift in India’s digital content regulation by extending CBFC certification requirements beyond theatres to films released exclusively on streaming platforms.