ZEE5 Pulls ‘Satluj’ After Government Flags Security Concerns: Sources

The government has directed OTT platform ZEE5 to remove the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, citing “security concerns”

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

The move came even as political parties in Punjab and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) backed the film’s release, while actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh urged audiences to watch it “wherever and however” they could. The film, which premiered uncut on ZEE5 on Friday, was taken down from the platform on Sunday evening.

According to a government official, the filmmakers had originally sought certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under the title Punjab ’95. However, they did not accept the 127 cuts proposed by the CBFC, resulting in the film not receiving certification for theatrical release.

“The makers did not implement the suggested cuts and instead released the film directly on OTT under a new title. While OTT platforms are not subject to CBFC certification, the government intervened after the release came to its notice. ZEE5 was directed to remove the film due to security concerns and was asked to comply with its obligations under the IT Rules, 2021. If the filmmakers wish to release the film in theatres or on OTT, they must follow the prescribed legal framework,” the official told PTI.