Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj has faced yet another setback as a Centre-appointed committee has reportedly recommended continuation of restrictions on the film.According to a report in The New Indian Express, the expert panel concluded that action against the film was justified on grounds of concern for India’s sovereignty, integrity and national security. this Dear Trehan The director was inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Kalra. The film explores his investigation into the alleged illegal cremations of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. The film also depicts the events leading up to his kidnapping and murder in 1995.The recommendation came shortly after the film was pulled from shelves in India. The development has once again thrust ‘Satluj’ into the national spotlight and sparked fresh debate over the decision.
The film was removed from OTT soon after its release
Satluj, which endured years of delays before its digital release, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3. However, the film was removed from the platform less than two days after it was viewed by Indian viewers. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting subsequently launched a detailed review of the film. An Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) has been constituted under the IT Rules 2021 to review the content and recommend the next course of action.According to reports, the committee concluded that it was appropriate to ban the film under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The provision authorizes governments to restrict online content on grounds such as sovereignty, integrity, defence, national security, public order and relations with foreign countries. The report further claimed that the panel found the narrative to be unbalanced. It reportedly felt the film downplayed the actions of militants and focused more on the excesses committed by security forces during their time as militants in Punjab.
Political reaction continues in Punjab
The controversy surrounding Satluj has also drawn political attention in Punjab. Some organizations and political leaders expressed dissent over the government’s decision. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) urged the authorities to withdraw restrictions on the film. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal has announced plans to organize screenings of the film in Punjab to support its release.The committee to review the film reportedly included officials from multiple ministries. These areas include information and broadcasting, home affairs, defence, electronics and information technology, external affairs, women and child development and law and justice.
Movies also disappeared from overseas OTT
The latest developments extend beyond India. “Satluj” has now been removed from ZEE5’s international catalog and is unavailable to overseas viewers. Director Honey Trehan confirmed the news in a response to SCREEN. When asked if the film had been pulled internationally, he simply replied, “Yes.” Earlier, after India suspended the film, ZEE5 had issued an official statement saying, “In view of the current developments, ‘Satluj’ will be released in India until further notice.” We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to get the film back into the hands of our audiences as soon as possible. “
Movies remain a bone of contention
Satluji was removed from the shelves of libraries in India and overseas, fueling the conversation surrounding the film. Social media users continue to discuss progress, but the future of the project remains uncertain. The film relives one of the most sensitive chapters in the modern history of Punjab through the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Diljit Dosanjh heads the lead cast while Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan play important roles.At this time, it has not been announced when or if “Satluj” will return to streaming.
