Satluj, originally titled Punjab 95, has been removed from ZEE5 in India until further notice. The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer, inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had only recently premiered on the streaming platform after facing years of delays and a prolonged dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
ZEE5 confirmed the development through an official statement on social media, saying it continues to support the film, its creators, and their artistic vision. The platform also stated that it is exploring legal avenues to restore the film for viewers in India.
The film bypassed a theatrical release in the country and was released directly on ZEE5 under the title Satluj after the CBFC reportedly recommended more than 120 cuts.
In its statement, ZEE5 said, “The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life.”
The platform further added, “At ZEE5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives.”
Addressing the film's removal, ZEE5 said, “In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”
The statement concluded by reaffirming the platform's commitment to supporting creators and stories driven by conviction, artistic integrity, and purpose.
The accompanying social media post read, “Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t. Thank you for the incredible love. We hope to bring it back soon.”
Earlier in the day, former cricketer and Member of Parliament Harbhajan Singh had described the film as a must-watch.
The project had remained pending with the CBFC for several years. Reports claimed the board sought more than 100 modifications, including changes to the film's title, references to Punjab, and the identity of the real-life figure on whom the story is based. Director Honey Trehan and the producers maintained that the film drew from documented events, leading to a prolonged impasse and repeated delays in its release. The controversy also affected its international festival journey, with the film being withdrawn before its scheduled premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Satluj is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist who exposed the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during the insurgency associated with the Khalistan movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Diljit Dosanjh plays the lead role, with Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles. The film is produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, with Ronnie Screwvala, Honey Trehan, and Abhishek Chaubey serving as co-producers.
