I&B Ministry alleges Satluj was released on ZEE5 without completing certification: Report

The controversy around Diljit Dosanjh's film *Satluj* has gotten new attention after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) said the movie was released on ZEE5 without getting the needed certification.The film, directed by Honey Trehan, first came out on the streaming platform on July 3, but was taken off from India just two days later.

The I&B Ministry claims that the filmmakers released *Satluj* on OTT instead of following the proper certification steps, especially after facing problems with getting theatrical clearance.

According to a report from ANI, an official from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the film did not have the required certification for a theatrical release before it appeared on the streaming platform.

"The film did not have the required certification for a theatrical release.

Instead of following the certification process, the makers changed the title of the film and released it on an OTT platform on Friday," the official stated.

The ministry also said the release broke the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

However, they did not say which rule was specifically broken.

They also mentioned that no one from the filmmakers had approached them for approval or reconsideration before releasing the film online.

*Satluj* was originally called *Panjab 95* and is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who looked into reported illegal disappearances and mass cremations during Punjab's militant period.

The project was sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022.

Reports say the board first suggested 27 cuts and a title change.The filmmakers challenged this decision in court, and after that, a revision committee suggested around 120 cuts.

After years of legal battles, the film was finally released on ZEE5 under the new title *Satluj*.

It came out in its original form without making the suggested cuts.

On July 5, ZEE5 confirmed that *Satluj* was removed from streaming in India.

They said, "In light of 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."

ZEE5 did not explain what caused the removal, only citing "current developments."

*Satluj* is directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures.

Alongside Diljit Dosanjh, the film also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in important roles.

Since the movie was taken down, it has received support from several public figures, with many calling for it to be available to Indian audiences again as the legal and regulatory issues continue.