‘Satluj’ explains the controversy: From CBFC row to OTT withdrawal, everything you need to know about Diljit Dosanjh starrer |

After years of struggling with certification issues, the title changes and the release is delayed again and again, Honey Trehan‘s ‘Satluj’, playing Diljit Dosanjhit has now been removed from the Zee5 streaming platform.The video hit another block, within just 48 hours of its OTT release. In an official statement, the streaming platform announced on Sunday that their film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been removed from the Indian list of ZEE5, while it continues to air globally on ZEE5 Global.

ZEE5 confirms withdrawal of ‘Satluj’ from India

On July 5, the OTT platform released a statement announcing that ‘Satluj’ will no longer be available in India, citing “current circumstances”.In a statement shared on Instagram, the advertising platform wrote, “Given the current situation, ‘Satluj’ will not be available in India until further notice. We will be committed to explore every possible avenue through the right channel to bring the film to our audience at the earliest opportunity.”Thanking the viewers for their support, the statement continued to read, “We are extremely grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and promote the film. Your love and support has meant a lot to us and to everyone who brought this story to life. At ZEE5, we stand firm with ‘Satluj’ and the creative vision behind it. We believe that powerful storytelling has staying power, fades and fades.“Assuring fans that they are working hard to release the film online, he added, “We are committed to looking at every possible way through the right channel to get the film back to our audience as soon as possible.”

What is ‘Satluj’?

Satluj comes from the life of human rights activists Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Diljit Dosanjh portrays Khalra, whose investigation into the cause brought national attention to the issue before he disappeared in 1995.In 2005, four Punjab police officers were convicted of abducting and killing Khalra and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court extended his sentence to life imprisonment.

The confirmation battle with the CBFC is delaying the theatrical release

The OTT release of the film came after years of controversy. On its first theatrical release in India, the action thriller took the streets by storm with a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to reports, the board recommended 127 cuts before giving the film a certificate. This delay forced the developers to delay several release plans.The film, which was earlier titled ‘Punjab ’95’, is slated for a worldwide release on February 7, 2025. However, it has yet to release its theatrical release.

From ‘Ghallughara’ to ‘Punjab ’95’ to ‘Satluj’

The project was edited several times until the final release on July 3. The film was titled ‘Ghallughara’, a popular Punjabi word associated with the massacre of Sikhs in 1746, 1762 and 1984. in Punjab ’95’.The makers have reportedly challenged the license in the Bombay High Court. Almost at the same time, the film was withdrawn from the screening scheduled for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At the time, a source told Variety that ‘political sentiment’ was behind the decision.Finally, when the film was released digitally on July 3, with a new title, ‘Satluj’. Commenting on the recent changes, director Trehan told Variety, “We couldn’t find a previous title for the film. The title is now ‘Satluj’.”

Honey Trehan finally releases ‘Satluj’

On the release of the film, Trehan said in his statement, “From the beginning, our aim was to tell this story honestly, carefully and without compromise. After waiting for a long time, the audience will see our work of love and hard work. Satluj is not the story of one person; it is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit in the face of the difficulties of this film, which believes that this film is based on its importance. from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh.“Trehan added that his goal was to make the film honest, sensitive and uncompromising. “After a long wait, audiences will finally see our labor of love and hard work.” ‘Satluj’ is not just one man’s story; and paying tribute to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Diljit Dosanjh why he chose ‘Satluj’

Before the OTT release, Diljit Dosanjh described ‘Satluj’ as one of the most important projects of his career. He said, “Our film, ‘Satluj’, is a story of conviction, courage, and humanity, and portraying this character has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I am happy that audiences around the world can watch the film on Zee5 and connect with a story that is so deep and relevant to all.“The actor also revealed what made him take up the project, saying, “The assassination of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji and his contribution to society are the main reasons why I chose to be a part of this film. As soon as I heard the documentary, it really touched me, because it is based on the life experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, opportunities to participate in such meaningful stories are rare.”

Diljit predicts ‘Satluj’ OTT release

Even before ‘Satluj’ was cleared, Diljit had expressed his belief that the film’s release in India might be short-lived. During an Instagram Live session, the actor urged fans to download the film while it is still in production. “Today is Saturday. I hear it might be removed on Monday. But don’t worry, you’re copying,” he said.