The Indian government has blocked the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' on the OTT platform ZEE5, invoking powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The action was taken by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which is the apex body authorized to review specific OTT content under the law.
Government's Immediate Action and Legal Basis
The film, which originally carried the title 'Ghallughara' (meaning 'massacre' in English), appeared online on Friday, July 3, 2026. The government reacted swiftly by blocking it on ZEE5, citing concerns that the content could harm national security and communal harmony. Section 69A of the IT Act permits the Centre to block OTT content if it is believed to undermine public safety and national security.
The IDC is a standing committee established under the IT Act Rules since 2021. It intervenes suo motu when controversial content appears online. The committee has since met with ZEE5 owners and the film's producers, including Ronnie Screwvala, to seek an explanation for the release.
Background of the Film's Controversy
The film, which depicts the dark days of terrorism in Punjab, was first submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December 2022. In May 2023, the CBFC asked for changes, stating that the film could have consequences for national security in its present form. The filmmakers challenged the CBFC's order in court, but the court declined to grant relief. In July 2025, the filmmakers withdrew the court case.
Despite these red flags, the film was released online under the new title 'Satluj' on Friday, July 3, 2026. The government has now demanded an explanation from ZEE5 and the producers regarding how the movie was released without addressing the flagged issues.
Concerns Over Portrayal of Punjab Police
According to a source familiar with the matter, ZEE5 has informed the government that it was unaware of the red flags raised about the content or the portrayal of the Punjab Police. The source stated, "The fact is the Punjab Police brought the state back to normalcy and the film paints the force as murderous while saying nothing about terrorism and how it shattered lives, homes and communal harmony in the state."
Security agencies had previously raised concerns about the film's depiction of the Punjab Police and its omission of the role of terrorism in the state's history. The government views the film as potentially disruptive to public order, especially with Punjab elections scheduled for 2027.
Current Status and Next Steps
The ban on the film is currently interim, pending a final decision under the law. The IDC, which includes representatives from key departments such as Home, Information, and Information Technology, is expected to complete its review process and issue a final ruling. The committee will consider the explanations provided by ZEE5 and the producers before making a determination.
The government has emphasized that it has not constituted any three-member committee to review 'Satluj', contrary to claims by some media reports. The IDC is the sole body handling the matter.
