Amid Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ Row, Centre Mulls CBFC Certification for OTT Films

Amid ‘Satluj’ Row, Centre Weighs Mandatory CBFC Certification for OTT Films: Report

The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj has reignited the debate over content regulation on streaming platforms, with the Centre now reportedly considering making CBFC certification mandatory for all films released on OTT platforms, including those that skip theatrical release.

Originally titled Punjab 95, the film is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. After years of delays and censorship-related hurdles, it premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, only to be taken down in India within 48 hours. The streaming platform later said the film would remain unavailable until further notice.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry is backing a proposal to amend the Information Technology framework so that every film released for public viewing—whether in cinemas or directly on streaming services—must first obtain certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

An official told the publication that with audiences increasingly shifting from theatres to OTT platforms, there is a growing view within the government that films released online should also come under a certification regime.

The official claimed that the CBFC had communicated its objections to the filmmakers in May 2023, advising against the film’s release. While the producers initially challenged the decision in court, they later withdrew their petition after reviewing the Board’s concerns.

According to the official, the Bombay High Court disposed of the matter on January 7, 2025, following the withdrawal of the petition. The producers allegedly did not return to the CBFC to address the certification issues. The report further claimed that although the film’s title was changed from Punjab 95 to Satluj, its content remained largely unchanged.

Officials also said ZEE5 informed the ministry that it was unaware of the earlier exchanges between the filmmakers and the CBFC when asked to explain the film’s release.

Political Row Intensifies in Punjab

The film has also triggered a political slugfest in Punjab ahead of the Assembly elections.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised the film’s removal from ZEE5, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was responsible for the decision. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has announced plans to organise screenings of the film in villages and towns across Punjab.

Badal said the initiative is intended to educate younger generations about the alleged atrocities faced by the Sikh community during the militancy era.

Government Raises Security Concerns

According to the report, government officials have defended restrictions on the film, arguing that it portrays the State as being responsible for mass killings, enforced disappearances and illegal cremations during Punjab’s insurgency years, while depicting the government’s counter-insurgency operations as a system of institutional oppression.

Officials also reportedly expressed concerns that the film’s portrayal of the militancy period could inflame old grievances among younger audiences and sections of the Sikh diaspora. They further alleged that narratives surrounding the film have been amplified by pro-Khalistan groups and Pakistan-based entities to promote anti-India sentiments.

The reported proposal to extend mandatory CBFC certification to OTT releases comes as the government continues to examine the regulatory framework governing digital content, amid growing scrutiny of films and series released exclusively on streaming platforms.