The Centre is contemplating changes to the Information Technology Act to require certification for films on OTT platforms following the removal of Satluj from ZEE5.
The film, a biopic on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra played by Diljit Dosanjh, was released on ZEE5 on July 3 without cuts after the makers refused 127 suggested edits from the Central Board of Film Certification. It was taken down two days later.
A government panel, the Inter-Departmental Committee, has recommended that the ban remain in place. It cited national security concerns and said the film could threaten state security under Section 69A of the IT Act.
Officials noted that the film portrays state agencies negatively during the 1990s militancy period in Punjab. The ministry is considering requiring certification for all public viewing content, even non-theatrical releases.
Navkiran Kaur Khalra, the activist’s daughter, said in an interview that the resistance to the film was anticipated and that her father’s work continues to unsettle the establishment.