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Why Was Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj Removed From Zee5? Full Story

✦ AI Summary

A powerful story that shook the nation - Satluj is not just a film, but a controversial truth that was almost hidden from the world.

satluj movie

Movie Details

Movie Name

Satluj

Release Date

3 July 2026

OTT Platform

Zee5

Lead cast

Diljit Dosanjh

Language

Hindi and Punjabi

Genre

Crime Thriller / Historical Drama

Director

Honey Trehan

Producer

Ronnie Screwvala

Writer

Honey Trehan, Niren Bhatt, and Utsav Maitra

Music Composer

Debarpito Saha

Cinematography

K.U. Mohanan

Editor

A. Sreekar Prasad and Ashirwad Hadkar

Rating

9.4/10

What Is Satluj About?

Satluj focuses on the life of human rights advocate Jaswant Singh Khalra, who looked into the purported cremation of many unidentified corpses in Punjab during the years 1984 to 1994. Diljit Dosanjh plays Khalra, whose inquiry into the disappearances garnered national awareness of the problem before he vanished in 1995.

In 2005, four officials from the Punjab Police were found guilty of the abduction and murder of Khalra and received a seven-year prison sentence. Two years later, the sentences were increased to life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

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From Theatrical Release To OTT Debut

The movie's release on OTT followed years of debate. Initially planned for a theatrical launch in India, the social drama faced obstacles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to reports, the board suggested a total of 127 edits prior to approving the film certification.

The setbacks ultimately compelled the creators to defer several release schedules. The movie, initially named 'Punjab 95', was scheduled for a global theatrical premiere on February 7, 2025. Nonetheless, it never had its cinema release.

Finally, the makers decided to release it on the OTT platform. Thus, it was released on 3 July 2026 on Zee5.

Satluj Removed From Zee5 Within 2 Days

The ZEE5 removed Satluj, featuring Diljit Dosanjh, on 5 July. This occurred only two days after the disputed film debuted on the streaming platform.

Zee5 declared that it was unavailable in India anymore. “Due to recent events, 'Satluj' will not be accessible in India until further notice.” We are dedicated to investigating all suitable channels through due process to return the film to our viewers as soon as possible.

How Diljit Dosanjh Reacts To The Controversy?

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

Diljit Dosanjh shared his first public statement following the removal of Satluj from ZEE5. The actor posted a video from the movie on social media, accompanied by a message that seemed to make a direct analogy between the film's challenges and Khalra's personal experiences.

Saket Gokhale’s Tweet On Film  Removal

TMC leader and ex-Rajya Sabha member, Saket Gokhale stated he has communicated with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Information Broadcasting and IT, voicing his strongest objection to the "prohibition of this significant film."

satluj controversy

"I recognize that this effort may be in vain, yet history will hold us accountable if we opt for silence." We are indebted to the legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra and the numerous victims of Punjab whose narratives are being disgracefully concealed. "Our country must begin engaging in the difficult discussions necessary to recognize and address the troubling chapters of our history," Gokhale stated in a post on X along with his letter to the I&B Minister.

Satluj highlights a sensitive chapter of history that continues to spark debate, controversy, and strong public reactions even after its release struggles.

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Bharti

Content Writer

Bharti is a skilled content writer with over 5 years of professional experience creating engaging and high-quality content for diverse audiences. She specializes in crafting informative articles, blog posts, and web content that resonates with readers and drives results.