The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has constituted a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to scrutinize the content of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film, 'Satluj'. This development follows the Centre's directive to OTT platform Zee5 to remove the movie, citing "security concerns" and "obligations."
The film, which chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra in Punjab during the 1990s, was taken down from Zee5 on Sunday evening. Its removal has prompted significant reactions, including demands for its re-release from various Punjab political parties and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Actor Diljit Dosanjh reportedly anticipated the government's move.
Background of 'Satluj' and its Controversy
Directed by Honey Trehan, 'Satluj' depicts Khalra's crucial investigation into the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted in 1995 and was never seen again. Years later, in 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for his abduction and murder, initially receiving a seven-year sentence which was later enhanced to life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The film has faced delays for over three years. Originally titled 'Punjab 95', its makers had applied for certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022. However, they reportedly did not accept the 127 cuts suggested by the board, leading to the film's delayed release.
OTT Release and Regulatory Framework
After the CBFC dispute, the film was quietly released on Zee5 under the new title 'Satluj' and without significant promotion. Content on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms is not regulated by the CBFC but falls under the purview of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Upon becoming aware of the film's release, the government directed Zee5 to remove it, citing the aforementioned security concerns and the need to comply with intermediary guidelines.