Satluj (originally titled Punjab ’95), a film based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, raises an important issue at the intersection of copyright and government regulation. According to media reports, the film did not receive certification for theatrical release after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sought extensive cuts. It was later released on ZEE5 but was reportedly removed within 48 hours following a government direction. Under Section 14(d) of the Copyright Act, 1957, the copyright owner has the exclusive right to commercially exploit and communicate a cinematograph film to the public. However, the Satluj controversy demonstrates that these rights may be affected by government regulation under other legal frameworks. The case highlights the relationship between copyright law and the State’s regulatory powers in the context of digital film distribution.