Story perspectives

India Bans ‘Satluj’ Film Over Security Concerns, Orders 127 Cuts

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

India banned Honey Trehan’s streaming film “Satluj” within 48 hours as a national-security threat.
The Central Board of Film Certification blocked the film for three years and ordered 127 cuts removing Punjab police, killings, Indian flag and activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
A Ministry of Information committee said the film lacked balance, whitewashed militants and could incite security concerns.
Guerrilla screenings in Punjab villages, gurdwaras and schools drew thousands after the ban.

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Story summary

India banned Honey Trehan’s streaming film “Satluj” within 48 hours as a national-security threat.
The Central Board of Film Certification blocked the film for three years and ordered 127 cuts removing Punjab police, killings, Indian flag and activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
A Ministry of Information committee said the film lacked balance, whitewashed militants and could incite security concerns.
Guerrilla screenings in Punjab villages, gurdwaras and schools drew thousands after the ban.