The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s recently released film, Satluj, has deepened. Premiering on the OTT platform ZEE5 on July 3, 2026, the movie was abruptly taken down from the streaming service in India a mere 48 hours later, on July 5. After a grueling three-year standoff with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the creators had opted for a direct-to-digital release, releasing it without the mandated cuts. While the film is currently blocked for Indian audiences, reports suggest it remains accessible to international viewers via ZEE5 Global.
What is the Story Behind the Film?
Helmed by director Honey Trehan, this biographical drama chronicles the life and struggles of the prominent Punjabi human rights activist, Jaswant Singh Khalra. During the height of militancy in Punjab in the 1980s and 90s, Khalra played a crucial role in exposing the alleged fake encounters and the mass secret cremations of thousands of unidentified bodies by the police. His pursuit of the truth ultimately led to his own abduction and murder in 1995. Diljit Dosanjh delivers a powerful performance as Jaswant Singh, sharing the screen with a strong supporting cast that includes Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, Kanwaljit Singh, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
A Long Battle with Censorship and Title Changes
Produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures, the film’s journey to the screen has been incredibly complicated. Originally titled Ghallughara, the name was first changed to Punjab 95 due to mounting controversies, before finally being released as Satluj. Back in 2022, the CBFC had demanded a staggering 127 cuts and multiple significant alterations to the narrative. Furthermore, its scheduled premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 was withdrawn following interventions by Indian authorities. Despite these hurdles, just before the ban, Dosanjh and Trehan confirmed in an Instagram Live session that the film had been dropped on ZEE5 in its original, uncut form.
ZEE5’s Official Stance and Sharp Reactions
Following the sudden removal, ZEE5 issued an official statement on social media to clarify their position. Expressing gratitude for the immense viewer response, the platform stated, “The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming… We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact.” They added, “Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t. Thank you for the incredible love. We hope to bring it back soon.”
Reacting to the unexpected takedown, Diljit Dosanjh took to social media to express his frustration, drawing a sharp parallel between the film’s fate and the activist’s life by stating that what happened to Khalra Saab has now happened to Satluj. Director Honey Trehan also expressed his shock and disappointment over the decision. Meanwhile, several prominent figures and politicians have openly supported the film and strongly objected to its removal from the platform.