Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has responded to the removal of his film Satluj from ZEE5’s India catalogue, expressing confidence that the movie will continue to reach audiences despite its withdrawal. The film, inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had only recently premiered on the streaming platform after a prolonged certification delay.
ZEE5 Removes Satluj from India Catalogue
Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan, debuted on ZEE5 in India on Friday under its new title after remaining caught in the censorship process for more than three years. However, the streaming platform removed the film from its India catalogue on Sunday.
On Monday, Dosanjh reacted by sharing a video on X showing an open-air screening of the film in Rajasthan. Alongside the clip, he wrote, “Hun Ni Rukni Film. Khalra Saab Di Avaaz Nu Koi Ni Dabaa Sakda”.
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ZEE5 Explains Temporary Withdrawal
Addressing the film’s removal, ZEE5 issued a statement confirming that Satluj would remain unavailable in India for the time being.
“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,” ZEE5 said in a statement.
The platform also thanked viewers for the response the film received following its release.
“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. 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,” it added.
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Honey Trehan Responds
Director Honey Trehan shared ZEE5’s statement on his Instagram Stories and wrote, “Tera bhana meetha lage”, which translates to “God’s will is sweet”.
Story Behind the Film
Dosanjh portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994 before disappearing in 1995.
In 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for Khalra’s abduction and murder and were sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, in 2007, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their punishment to life imprisonment.
Long Certification Battle Before Release
The film was originally titled Punjab ’95 and remained entangled in a lengthy certification process after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly sought 127 cuts. As a result, the makers repeatedly postponed its release.
The project had also been selected to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. However, it was later removed from the festival’s official line-up without any official explanation.
Before the film’s streaming debut, Honey Trehan had stated that it would be released on ZEE5 in its original version without “any cuts or compromises”.
Cast and Production
Satluj is produced by Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwvala under the banners MacGuffin Pictures and RSVP.
The cast includes Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
Conclusion
Although Satluj has been removed from ZEE5’s India catalogue shortly after its release, the filmmakers and the streaming platform have expressed hope that the film will return. While Dosanjh has publicly affirmed that the film’s message will continue to reach audiences, ZEE5 says it is pursuing appropriate channels to restore the title for viewers in India.
