The release and subsequent takedown of ‘Satluj’ from Zee5 may have a ripple effect on OTT films. Discussions are said to be underway within the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) about amending the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and requiring films premièring on streamers to obtain certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

This comes seven months after the I&B Ministry had informed the Parliament that OTT platforms would continue to be regulated under the IT Rules. A source told mid-day, “At present, films released directly on OTT platforms are not required to secure the CBFC certification, unlike theatrical releases. Under the new proposal, a film would not be permitted to stream in India until the certification process is complete.”