Satluj pulled to prevent revival of dwindling pro-Khalistan movement: Sources

Honey Trehan's Satluj was ordered to be removed from the OTT platform ZEE5 over national security concerns, sources told India Today. The sources said that there were apprehensions that the film could be used by Khalistani elements to recruit support for what they described as an otherwise "dwindling pro-Khalistan movement."

Sources further said there is concern that some pro-Khalistan groups are trying to regain ground in Punjab ahead of the upcoming elections, and these security considerations drove the decision to withdraw the film.

India Today has also learnt that the matter is now under examination by a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The committee will review the content of Satluj under the provisions of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.

What does the Act say?

Section 69A empowers the Central government to direct intermediaries, including streaming platforms, to block or remove online content on grounds such as the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, defence of India, friendly relations with foreign States and public order. The IDC's examination is part of the statutory process through which such matters are reviewed under the Information Technology Rules.

The film, inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its surprise release. The streaming platform later cited "circumstances beyond our control" in a statement about the reason behind the decision. The platform said it regretted the inconvenience caused to viewers but did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision.

The takedown also reignited questions over how a film could be withdrawn from an OTT platform despite streaming releases not requiring certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). While OTT platforms do not need CBFC approval, they remain subject to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, under which the government can direct the blocking or removal of content through the statutory mechanism laid down in Section 69A of the IT Act.

The development has since sparked widespread debate, with several members of the film fraternity questioning the takedown. Director Honey Trehan maintained that he had secured all the necessary certifications before the film's release and suggested that "God's will prevails" in response to the controversy.

Satluj's long journey

The film has had a turbulent journey long before its digital release. Originally titled Punjab 95, it remained embroiled in a prolonged certification battle for nearly three years over multiple suggested cuts before eventually bypassing a theatrical release and premiering directly on ZEE5. Trehan recently revealed that only Diljit Dosanjh knew about the surprise OTT release in advance. Recalling the actor's first reaction to the script, the director said Dosanjh looked at Jaswant Singh Khalra's photograph, placed the research book on his forehead and said, "Waheguru ji... tell me when and where to come. You'll find me there."

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma also weighed in, calling Satluj "not a film, but a deep wound that will never heal." In a strongly worded social media post, he urged authorities not to suppress the film, writing, "Please don't do to Satluj what has been done to Jaswant Singh Khalra." He added that "any art which makes the powerful uncomfortable has done its job."

Satluj stars Diljit Dosanjh as Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist who documented the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies during Punjab's militancy years. The film also features Arjun Rampal in a key role and revisits the events surrounding Khalra's abduction and murder in 1995.

Khalra's investigation into the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies became one of the most significant human rights enquiries in Punjab's history. He was abducted outside his Amritsar residence in September 1995, and after a prolonged legal battle, several Punjab Police personnel were convicted in connection with his abduction and murder, cementing his legacy as one of India's most prominent human rights defenders.

The controversy has also reignited conversations around artistic freedom, censorship and the balance between creative expression and national security. With the matter now before the Ministry's Inter-Departmental Committee, the future of Satluj's availability in India is expected to hinge on the outcome of the statutory review.

Satluj, which also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles, is produced by Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwwala.