The controversy around Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj could lead to major changes in how movies are released on streaming platforms in India. According to a report by India Today, the Centre is now considering making certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films that premiere directly on OTT platforms.
What sparked the proposed policy change
The report states that the proposal comes after Satluj was streamed on Zee5 earlier this month without a CBFC certificate. As of now, no official announcement has been made by the government regarding the proposed policy change.
According to India Today, the government is also considering action against Zee5 over the uncertified screening of the film.
Legal concerns over uncertified streaming
Citing government sources, the report claims that screening Satluj without CBFC certification was legally impermissible. The sources further said that it is the responsibility of platforms to ensure compliance with existing laws before streaming content.
As reported by News18, the Centre is considering amendments to the Information Technology Act that would make CBFC certification mandatory for films released directly on OTT platforms.
What this means for OTT platforms and viewers
If the policy is implemented, all films that skip theatrical release and go straight to streaming services would need to obtain a CBFC certificate before they can be shown to audiences. Currently, OTT platforms have more freedom in what they release, as they are not bound by the same certification rules as theatrical films.
The move would bring direct-to-OTT releases under the same regulatory framework as movies shown in cinemas. This could affect how quickly films are released on streaming platforms and what content is allowed.
Our Take: A necessary step or overreach?
In our view, this proposed change raises important questions about content regulation in the digital age. On one hand, ensuring that all films follow the same certification process creates a level playing field. On the other hand, it could slow down the release of content on OTT platforms and reduce the creative freedom that has made streaming services popular.
What is clear is that the Satluj controversy has forced the government to take a closer look at how OTT platforms operate. Whether this leads to better regulation or unnecessary restrictions will depend on how the policy is drafted and implemented. For now, viewers and platforms alike will have to wait for an official announcement.
