Centre Mulls Mandatory CBFC Certification for OTT Releases After 'Satluj' Row

The Central Government is reportedly examining amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act that would make prior certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films and web content released directly on OTT platforms. The proposal comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Punjabi film Satluj, which reignited the debate over content regulation on digital streaming services. According to reports, the government is considering stricter guidelines for content featuring sensitive themes, explicit scenes, or dialogues that could affect public order or national security.

The controversy intensified after Satluj, a film based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was released on ZEE5 and later removed from the platform within 48 hours in India. The film reportedly faced certification issues after the CBFC suggested numerous cuts when it was originally submitted under the title Punjab 95. According to government sources, discussions are underway to ensure that all films intended for public exhibition—whether in theatres or on OTT platforms—receive CBFC certification before release. The proposal has also triggered political debate in Punjab, with different parties expressing contrasting views on the film's removal.