Film 'Satluj' removed from Zee5 after censorship review
The film originally titled 'Punjab ’95' was taken down from the streaming platform Zee5. A high‑level interdepartmental committee was formed to examine its contents, and the removal was ordered under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. Censors demanded extensive cuts, and the film’s subject matter and reactions from creators and officials were reported.
The film 'Satluj', originally titled 'Punjab ’95', was removed from the streaming platform Zee5.
According to ptcnews.tv, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constituted a high‑level interdepartmental committee (IDC) to examine the contents of 'Satluj' after its takedown, and the order to remove the film was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and the IT Rules, 2021.
The New York Times reported that censors demanded 127 cuts to the film and that it explores a dark period of police brutality in Punjab state.
ptcnews.tv reported that 'Satluj' is based on the abduction and killing of human‑rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, and the New York Times reported that filmmakers said the film is a chilling example of entrenched censorship.
The Hindu reported that Diljit Dosanjh said he was unsurprised by the removal, calling it "bound to happen," and thanked that what they wanted to say has been conveyed and that it is the audience's film to watch as they wish. The Times of India reported that FWICE President BN Tiwari criticized Dosanjh for repeatedly choosing politically sensitive and controversial scripts, saying global icons must keep "nation first".
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