Satluj Controversy: Government Cites ‘Security Concerns’ To Streamer For Removing Diljit Dosanjh Starrer- Report

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj was removed from Zee5 after two days, reportedly following Centre directives citing security concerns under IT Rules.

Government Cites ‘Security Concerns’ To Streamer For Removing Diljit Dosanjh Starrer?

A government official informed PTI that the makers of Satluj had applied for CBFC certification in 2022 under its original title Panjab 95, but the CBFC rejected the 127 cuts proposed and withheld its approval. “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 was brought to the government’s attention, Zee was asked to take the film down. The directive was given due to security concerns. The OTT platform was instructed to adhere to the obligations under intermediary guidelines. If they wish to release the film in theatres and on OTT, they must follow the prescribed norms,” the official explained.

What Was The Controversy?

Originally titled Panjab 95, Satluj was stuck with the censors for over three years before being released on Zee5 under a new name and without cuts. Streaming platforms in India are not regulated by the CBFC but are governed by Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Directed by Honey Trehan, the film centres on Jaswant Singh Khalra. He investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted in 1995, and in 2005, four Punjab Police officers were convicted of his abduction and murder, receiving life sentences.

Diljit Dosanjh Reacts To The Shadow Ban

Diljit Dosanjh, who portrays Khalra in the film, on Instagram Live from the US, shared a response. He is on tour there and said that he anticipated this outcome. “I had a feeling on Friday that something like this would happen. This was already on my mind. It is not surprising (the ban). I thought it would be banned on Monday when offices open. But I didn’t expect it to happen on Sunday evening. We didn’t even promote the film; it was released just like that. If we had promoted it, it wouldn’t have lasted even two days. But I am happy that people have seen the film and it has reached them,” Diljit said in Punjabi.

He urged fans to download and watch the film. The singer and actor added, “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.”

What Did Zee5 Say?

However, Zee5 offered a different update. “We are doing our part to bring ‘Satluj’ back. Please do yours – don’t support piracy. We remain committed to exploring every avenue to bring ‘Satluj’ back to you,” the platform stated on Monday.

The film remains available outside India. In addition to Diljit Dosanjh, the cast includes Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlan in key roles.

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