Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj has faced another setback after a Centre-appointed committee recommended that restrictions on the film 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 the direction 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 describes the events leading up to his abduction and murder in 1995.The recommendation comes shortly after the film was removed from streaming in India. The development has brought ‘Satluj’ back into the national spotlight and sparked fresh debate over the decision.
The film was pulled from OTT soon after its release
‘Satluj’ premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after facing years of delays before its digital release. However, the film remained available to Indian audiences for less than two days before being pulled 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.The committee reportedly concluded that it was appropriate to block the film under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. 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. The reports further stated that the panel found the narrative to be unbalanced. He reportedly believed that the film downplayed the actions of the militants and placed more emphasis on the alleged excesses committed by the security forces during the years of militancy in Punjab.
Political backlash continues in Punjab
The controversy surrounding Satluj has also attracted political attention in Punjab. Various organizations and political leaders have expressed different views on the government’s decision. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged the authorities to revoke the restrictions imposed on the film. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal has announced plans to organize screenings of the film across Punjab in support of its release.The committee that reviewed the film allegedly included officials from various ministries. These include information and broadcasting, home affairs, defence, electronics and information technology, foreign affairs, women’s and child development, and law and justice.
The film is also disappearing from OTT overseas
The latest development has spread beyond India. Now “Satluj” has also been removed from ZEE5’s international catalog, so it is also not available for foreign viewers. Director Honey Trehan confirmed the removal while responding to SCREEN. When asked if the film had been pulled internationally, he simply replied, “Yes.” Earlier, after the film was shelved in India, ZEE5 had issued an official statement saying, “In view of the current developments, Satluj will not be available in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”
Cinema continues to be at the center of the debate
The removal of ‘Satluj’ from Indian and overseas libraries has intensified the 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 the recent history of Punjab through the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Diljit Dosanjh leads the cast, while Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan play important roles.As of now, no announcement has been made as to when or if ‘Satluj’ will return to play.