The streaming platform Zee5 removed the film "Satluj," starring Diljit Dosanjh, from its Indian catalogue two days after the movie's OTT release [1].
The sudden takedown highlights the ongoing tension between creative expression and government oversight regarding historical and political figures in Indian cinema. Because the film deals with sensitive regional history, its removal signals a restrictive approach to content that the state deems provocative.
The Indian government, referred to as the Centre, said the removal was a precautionary measure [2]. Officials said they had concerns over the film's depiction of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a figure described as controversial [2].
Viewers had only two days of access to the film before it was pulled from the platform [2]. This brief window of availability follows a lengthy struggle to bring the project to the public, as the film reportedly battled censors for four years before its initial release [2].
The movie's removal from Zee5 specifically targets the Indian streaming catalogue, limiting access within the country. The Centre's decision to intervene suggests that the portrayal of Khalra's life story was viewed as a potential risk to public order, or national narratives.
Zee5 has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the internal process of the removal, but the action follows the government's disclosure of the concerns. The incident adds to a growing list of digital content removals in India based on government directives.
“The film was removed from Zee5 two days after its OTT release.”
The removal of "Satluj" underscores the Indian government's willingness to exercise preemptive censorship on digital platforms to control the narrative surrounding historical figures. By targeting a film that had already navigated a four-year censorship process, the state demonstrates that OTT releases are not exempt from political scrutiny, potentially creating a chilling effect for filmmakers tackling controversial biographies.
