Satluj: Bans don’t work, but govt fears are real

Censorship is rarely warranted and usually ineffective. The govt reportedly asked Zee5, an OTT platform, to remove the film ‘Satluj’ after thousands had already viewed it for two days.

Since then, the film has spread rapidly through pirated copies on messaging apps, file-sharing sites and other unofficial channels. Sikh organisations, gurudwaras and village groups have organised public screenings. Possibly millions have seen it by now.
Govt has cited national security as a reason for the ban, and its fears are not unwarranted. The film is set in Punjab during the Khalistani militancy of the 1980s and 1990s.

It follows Jaswant Singh Khalra, an Akali Dal functionary, who was alarmed by the disappearance of many Sikh youngsters. By examining cremation records and other official documents, he uncovers evidence suggesting that thousands of unidentified bodies were secretly cremated, allegedly after extrajudicial killings by the Punjab police.

Khalra faces threats but refuses to abandon his investigation. He is abducted and killed.

Eventually, four policemen receive life sentences for his murder.