Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj has encountered another setback after a Centre-appointed committee reportedly recommended that restrictions on the film should continue.As reported by The New Indian Express, the panel concluded that the action taken against the film was justified, citing concerns related to India’s sovereignty, integrity and national security. The Honey Trehan directorial is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film explores his investigation into the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. It also depicts the events leading up to his abduction and killing in 1995.The recommendation comes shortly after the film’s removal from streaming in India. The development has once again brought ‘Satluj’ into the national spotlight and sparked fresh debate over the decision.
Film was removed from OTT shortly after release
‘Satluj’ premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after facing years of delays before its digital release. However, the film remained available for Indian audiences for less than two days before it was taken down from the platform. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later initiated a detailed review of the film. An Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) was formed under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, to examine the content and recommend the next course of action.According to reports, the committee concluded that blocking the film under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act was appropriate. The provision empowers the government to restrict online content on grounds such as sovereignty, integrity, defence, national security, public order and relations with foreign states. Reports further claimed that the panel found the narrative to be unbalanced. It reportedly believed that the film underplayed the actions of militants while placing greater focus on alleged excesses committed by security forces during Punjab’s militancy years.
Political reactions continue in Punjab
The controversy surrounding Satluj has also drawn political attention in Punjab. Several organisations and political leaders have voiced differing opinions over the government’s decision. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged authorities to revoke the restrictions imposed on the film. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal has announced plans to organise screenings of the film across Punjab in support of its release.The committee that reviewed the film reportedly included officials from multiple ministries. These included Information and Broadcasting, Home Affairs, Defence, Electronics and Information Technology, External Affairs, Women and Child Development, and Law and Justice.
Film disappears from OTT overseas as well
The latest development has extended beyond India. ‘Satluj’ has now also been removed from ZEE5’s international catalogue, making it unavailable for overseas viewers as well. Director Honey Trehan confirmed the removal while responding to SCREEN. When asked whether the film had been taken down internationally, he simply replied, “Yes.” Earlier, after suspending the film in India, ZEE5 had issued an official statement saying, “In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”
Film remains at the centre of debate
The removal of ‘Satluj’ from both Indian and overseas libraries has intensified conversations surrounding the film. Social media users have continued to discuss the developments, while the future of the project remains uncertain. The film revisits one of the most sensitive chapters in Punjab’s recent history through the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Diljit Dosanjh headlines the cast, while Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan play important roles.For now, no announcement has been made regarding when or if ‘Satluj’ will return to streaming.
