Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s much-awaited film Satluj has been taken down from ZEE5 in India just two days after its release on the streaming platform. The film, which premiered on July 3, is currently unavailable to Indian viewers, with ZEE5 stating that it is “exploring every appropriate avenue through due process” to bring the film back.
Originally titled Punjab ’95, the film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and had already endured a prolonged battle with certification hurdles. Reports suggest the film remained stuck in the certification process for years after the CBFC allegedly sought over 120 cuts, eventually leading the makers to opt for a direct OTT release instead of a theatrical outing.
The sudden removal has triggered strong reactions online, with fans criticising the decision and calling it a setback for artistic expression. Director Honey Trehan reportedly said he was at a loss for words after learning about the takedown, while Dosanjh shared a scene from the film on social media with the message, “I challenge the darkness.”
Despite being removed from the Indian catalogue, Satluj continues to stream internationally on ZEE5 Global. The controversy has once again put the spotlight on censorship, creative freedoms and the challenges faced by politically sensitive stories in India.
Meanwhile, Dosanjh shared an Instagram video addressing the situation. In the clip, the actor seemingly predicted the possibility of the film being taken down, saying in Punjabi, “Hun tension nai, sab ne kar layi download” (Now there’s no tension, everyone has already downloaded it). The video has since gone viral on social media, with many fans calling his remark “prophetic” and sharing clips from the live session after Satluj disappeared from ZEE5’s Indian catalogue.
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