Diljit Dosanjh's Punjabi film 'Satluj' has been pulled from streaming platform ZEE5 following a directive from the central government, which cited 'security concerns' and obligations under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) confirmed the removal, stating that the film violated provisions of the IT Rules.
Government directive and immediate removal
The I&B Ministry issued an order to ZEE5 on July 6, 2026, directing the immediate takedown of 'Satluj' due to what it termed 'security concerns' and failure to comply with due diligence obligations under IT Rules 2021. A senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: 'The content was found to be in contravention of the Code of Ethics for digital media, specifically Part III of the IT Rules, which mandates that platforms must not host any content that threatens national security.' The platform complied within hours, removing the film from its library.
Nature of the alleged violation
Sources within the ministry indicated that the film reportedly contained scenes and dialogues that could potentially incite communal tension or portray certain communities in a negative light. However, the exact nature of the objectionable content has not been publicly disclosed. The I&B Ministry's action falls under the mechanism established by the IT Rules 2021, which allows the government to block content in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, defense, security, or public order. A spokesperson for ZEE5 stated: 'We have received the directive and are fully cooperating with the authorities. The film has been removed pending further review.'
Background on 'Satluj'
'Satluj,' released earlier this year, is a period drama set in pre-partition Punjab, focusing on themes of identity, migration, and cultural conflict. It stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role and was produced under his banner. The film had received positive reviews from critics and was performing well on ZEE5, with over 10 million streaming hours in its first month, according to platform data. The sudden removal has sparked debate among fans and industry insiders about censorship and creative freedom.
Legal and industry implications
The takedown has raised questions about the application of IT Rules 2021 to over-the-top (OTT) content. Legal experts note that while the rules empower the government to act against content that threatens national security, the lack of transparency in the review process can lead to concerns about overreach. Advocate Priya Sharma, a digital rights lawyer, commented: 'The government must provide a clear explanation of why a film is being removed, especially when it has already passed certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This sets a precedent that could chill creative expression.'
Political and social reactions
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed concern over the removal, tweeting: 'This is an attack on Punjabi culture and cinema. The film had no objectionable content and was certified by the CBFC.' Opposition leaders have also criticized the move, with some calling it an attempt to suppress regional voices. Meanwhile, supporters of the government argue that national security cannot be compromised. The controversy has trended on social media, with hashtags like #SaveSatluj and #CensorshipWatch gaining traction.
Next steps
ZEE5 has stated that it will seek a detailed explanation from the ministry and may explore legal options. Diljit Dosanjh has not yet issued a personal statement, but his team confirmed that they are in talks with legal advisors. The I&B Ministry has indicated that a formal review committee will examine the film's content and issue a final decision within 30 days, as per the IT Rules. Meanwhile, the film remains unavailable on the platform, and no other streaming service has announced plans to host it.
