New Delhi: The streaming platform ZEE5 has taken down the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer movie Satluj just two days after its release, following objections from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). The government stated that the film, which is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was released on the OTT platform without completing the mandatory certification process.
According to I&B Ministry officials, the film lacked the necessary certification required for a theatrical release. An official told ANI that the certification body had previously recommended nearly 100 cuts to the movie. Instead of implementing these changes, the filmmakers allegedly changed the movie’s title and proceeded with an OTT release on Friday.
The Ministry further alleged that the release violated the provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, though no specific provision was singled out. The government added that it had received no prior representation from the creators seeking approval or a reconsideration before the release.
Confirming the removal on Sunday, ZEE5 issued an official statement saying, “In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice.” The streaming platform added that it remains committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film back to its audience at the earliest.
The abrupt removal of the film has triggered sharp reactions from both politicians and celebrities. Senior Congress leader Pargat Singh criticized the decision, contrasting it with the screening of other films. “The real thing is that the propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it’s ‘The Kerala Story’ or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations… If such things don’t come on a public platform, how will correction occur?” he said, adding that human rights are every person’s right and such a movie should never be banned.
Lead actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed the development during a live Instagram interaction on Monday, stating that the move was not unexpected. “What I had already expected is exactly what happened. I thought the film might get banned when offices will open on Monday, but I didn’t know it would happen as early as Sunday evening,” the actor said.
However, Dosanjh expressed satisfaction that a section of the audience had already watched and downloaded the film. “One thing that made me especially happy was seeing that they’re even screening the movie with a projector at Gurudwara Sahib. It brought me immense joy to see that,” he added.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
