Centre to review film ‘Satluj’ after ZEE5 takedown via IT Rules committee

A committee set up by the Centre to examine the content of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public access through online streaming platforms should remain as the film allegedly goes against India's sovereignty and integrity, government sources said on Saturday. The Honey Trehan-directed film depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994, and was abducted and murdered by the state police in 1995. It was pulled from the OTT platform ZEE5 for viewers in India two days after its release on July 3 after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting cited security concerns. Subsequently, the ministry set up an inter-department committee (IDC) under the IT Rules 2021 for a detailed examination of the film and recommend the future course of action. The issue turned political in Punjab, with the Shiromani Gurdwara ...

The Centre will refer the film ‘Satluj’ to an inter-departmental committee for examination after its removal from ZEE5

The Centre plans to refer the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer "Satluj" to an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted under the IT Rules 2021 for a detailed examination and future course of action, government sources said on Tuesday, two days after streaming platform ZEE5 was directed to take down the film over "security concerns". The film, which was earlier titled "Punjab '95" and details the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra in Punjab in the turbulent 1990s when the state was reeling under terrorism, was stuck with the censors for more than three years. Released uncut on ZEE5 under the new title of "Satluj" on July 3, the film was removed from the platform on July 5. Sources said the matter will now be examined by the IDC, a committee constituted under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to consider grievances relating to content published by OTT platforms and digital news publishers and make recommendations to the ...

Days after Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj was taken down from ZEE5, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has constituted a high-level Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) to examine the film's content. The committee will reportedly review the movie and submit its recommendations to the Centre. The development comes just two days after Satluj was removed from the streaming platform, where it had premiered last Friday (July 3).Originally titled Punjab 95, the film is inspired by the life of Punjab human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Diljit Dosanjh plays the lead role, with the story focusing on Khalra's efforts to expose alleged extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s.Ram Gopal Varma Supports Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj Amid Controversy, Says 'It Shouldn't Be Encountered Like Victims In The Film' According to government sources quoted by NDTV, the film was withdrawn after a careful review. The sources said there were concerns that certain portions of the movie could be "misused by anti-India forces."Officials also noted that the film had earlier sought a theatrical release but was unable to secure approval in its existing form. While theatrical releases require certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), OTT platforms follow a self-regulation framework, with government oversight in cases involving sensitive content.High-level interdepartmental committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to examine the contents of the film Satluj. Committee under Section 69A; this section empowers the government to direct intermediaries to block or remove access to online content on the grounds… pic.twitter.com/yyjIGJD9dy— IANS (@ians_india) July 7, 2026Following the removal, ZEE5 confirmed that the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice while expressing its continued support for the project."At ZEE5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives," it said.The platform also stated that it would make efforts to restore the film through the due process.About SatlujSatluj traces the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist from Punjab who was born in Amritsar in 1952. Initially employed as a bank worker, Khalra later devoted himself to activism and became known for exposing cases involving alleged unlawful killings and secret cremations.'If The Kashmir Files Can Exist...': Satluj Writer Hints At 'Someone In Power' At CBFC Or I&B Ministry Behind Film’s RemovalThe film has faced a long and difficult journey to release. Submitted to the CBFC in 2022, it reportedly remained pending for nearly three years. The makers had alleged that the board sought 127 cuts before the project was eventually released directly on ZEE5 under the title Satluj instead of its original name, Punjab 95. However, the film was removed from the platform within 48 hours of its release.

The government will examine the film Satluj via an Inter-Departmental Committee. This committee considers content grievances from digital platforms and news publishers. The film, based on Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 after its release. Authorities cited security concerns and the film's release without CBFC cuts. The committee can recommend various actions, including content deletion or blocking.