The Centre directed OTT platform ZEE5 to take down the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film ‘Sutluj, which depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the turbulent ‘90s in Punjab, citing “security concerns” and obligations under IT Rules 2021, government sources said yesterday, a PTI report stated.

OTT content does not come under the purview of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and is regulated under the provisions of Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

A government official, according to the PTI report from New Delhi yesterday, said that the makers ofSutluj had applied for CBFC certification in 2022 under its original title ‘Punjab 95’, but they did not accept the 127 cuts suggested by the censor board and withheld its release.

The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was stuck in censorship for over three years.

“The makers chose not to carry out the cuts suggested by the CBFC and later released the film on an OTT platform with a different title. Once the matter came to the government’s notice, ZEE5 was instructed to remove the film,” the unnamed official was quoted as saying by the PTI.

“The direction was issued due to security concerns and in view of the obligations applicable to intermediaries under the IT Rules,” the official said.

The source further maintained that filmmakers seeking to release content across both theatres and digital platforms must adhere to the prescribed legal and regulatory framework.

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s long-delayed film ‘Punjab ’95’, which was released in India on streaming service ZEE5 under a new title ‘Satluj’ on July 3, became unavailable on the platform just two days later on July 5.

A ZEE5 statement, posted on X on Sunday, said it has temporarily made film ‘Sutluj unavailable in India, citing “current developments”, while affirming its support for the film and its creators.