IBNS-CMEDIA: A fresh controversy has erupted around actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj (earlier titled Punjab 95) after a lawyer filed a complaint with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), demanding an FIR against the film’s makers and OTT platform ZEE5.
Advocate Vineet Jindal has alleged that the film promotes “terrorism, violent extremism, and separatist ideology” linked to Punjab’s militancy era, and has urged authorities to initiate legal action under multiple provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, UAPA, and IT Act.
Allegations of bypassing CBFC process
In his complaint, Jindal claimed the filmmakers deliberately avoided the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) process by changing the film’s title from Punjab 95 to Satluj and releasing it directly on OTT.
He alleged that the CBFC had reportedly sought 127 cuts, which the makers did not fully comply with before the digital release.
Claims of ‘distorted history’ and security concerns
The complaint further argues that the film depicts Punjab’s insurgency period in a manner that could “glorify extremism” and distort historical facts.
It also claims such portrayals may hurt sentiments, undermine security forces, and disturb public order.
Authorities and sources have also previously flagged concerns that certain portions of the film could potentially be misused by anti-national elements, leading to its removal from ZEE5 shortly after release.
Film withdrawn from OTT platform
Originally released on ZEE5 last Friday, Satluj was taken down within days following what sources described as a careful review over sensitive content concerns.
The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged extrajudicial killings and secret cremations during Punjab’s militancy years.
Political row intensifies
The removal has triggered sharp political reactions in Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh said the ban has only increased public curiosity about the film’s subject.
AAP MP Malwinder Singh Kang called the move reflective of a “deep discomfort with Punjab’s truth,” while Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira said the story is based on facts acknowledged by the Supreme Court.
Diljit Dosanjh responds
Reacting to the controversy, Diljit Dosanjh said that what happened to Satluj mirrors the struggles faced by the film’s central character, suggesting parallels between the story and the current backlash.
