Zee5 removed the film Punjab 95, also known as Satluj, from its Indian streaming service within 48 hours of its OTT premiere, citing unspecified "current developments," according to medianama.com. The film, which was stuck with the Indian censor board for over three years, remains accessible outside India and through VPNs in India. Zee5 stated it is working to bring the film back and urged viewers not to encourage piracy.
The takedown followed a notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) under Section 69A and Part-3 of the IT Rules, as reported by Hindustan Times and Indian Express and cited by medianama.com. An anonymous MIB official said the film is "being examined by the Inter-departmental committee." Zee5 did not provide further explanation beyond referencing "current developments" on its Instagram post.
Punjab 95, directed by Honey Trehan and retitled Satluj for Zee5, tells the true story of human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Khalra uncovered extrajudicial killings and illegal mass cremations by Punjab Police during the insurgency years of the 1980s and 90s. The film's release and subsequent removal highlight ongoing sensitivities around content related to this period and government scrutiny of OTT platforms under IT Rules and MIB oversight.
The film's removal under Section 69A of the IT Rules marks a notable instance of unofficial censorship on Indian OTT platforms. Zee5’s Instagram post on July 6 confirmed the removal and the platform’s efforts to restore access. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s review continues, with no timeline provided for the film’s reinstatement.