After years of battling certification hurdles, title changes and repeated release delays, Honey Trehan‘s ‘Satluj’, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has now been taken down from the streaming platform Zee5.The film hit another roadblock, 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 ZEE5’s Indian catalogue, while continuing to remain available internationally on ZEE5 Global.

ZEE5 confirms removal of ‘Satluj’ from India

On July 5, the OTT platform issued a statement and announced that ‘Satluj’ would no longer be available for streaming in India, citing “current developments”.In a statement shared on Instagram, the streaming platform wrote, “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.”Thanking viewers for their support, the statement went on to read, “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.“Assuring fans that they are working towards releasing the film online, they added, “We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”

What is ‘Satluj’ about?

Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Diljit Dosanjh portrays Khalra, whose investigation into the disappearances brought national attention to the issue before he himself disappeared in 1995.In 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for Khalra’s abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their sentences to life imprisonment.

Certification battle with CBFC and delayed theatrical release

The film’s OTT release came after years of controversy. Originally scheduled for a theatrical release in India, the social drama hit roadblocks with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As per reports, the board recommended a total of 127 cuts before granting the film certification. The delays ultimately forced the makers to postpone multiple release plans.The film, which was originally titled ‘Punjab ’95’, was slated for a worldwide theatrical release on February 7, 2025. However, it never made its theatrical release.

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

The project has undergone multiple title changes until its final release on July 3. The movie was originally titled ‘Ghallughara’, a historic Punjabi term associated with the massacres of Sikhs in 1746, 1762 and 1984. However, as per reports, when the makers applied for certification in late 2022, the CBFC cleared the film with 21 cuts while also directing the makers to change its title to Punjab ’95’.The producers reportedly challenged the certification order before the Bombay High Court. Around the same time, the film was withdrawn from its planned premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At the time, a source told Variety that ‘political considerations’ had played a role in the decision.Eventually, when the film had a digital release on July 3, with a new title, ‘Satluj’. Explaining the latest change, director Trehan told Variety, “We could not get the previous title of the film. The title is now ‘Satluj’.”

Honey Trehan on finally releasing ‘Satluj’

On the film’s release, Trehan said in a statement, “From the very beginning, our intention was to tell this story with honesty, sensitivity and without compromise. After a long wait, audiences will finally witness our labour of love and hard work. Satluj is not just the story of one individual; it is a tribute to the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity. Everyone associated with the film deeply believed in the importance of this narrative, as it draws inspiration from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh.“Trehan added that his intention was to make the film with honesty, sensitivity and without compromise. “After a long wait, audiences will finally witness our labour of love and hard work. ‘Satluj’ is not just the story of one individual; it is a tribute to the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity.

Diljit Dosanjh on why he chose ‘Satluj’

Ahead of the OTT release, Diljit Dosanjh described ‘Satluj’ as one of the most meaningful 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 meaningful experiences of my career. I’m grateful that audiences across the world can finally watch the film on Zee5 and connect with a story that is both deeply personal and truly a must-watch for all.“The actor also revealed what drew him to the project, saying, “Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the primary reasons I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard the script, it moved me deeply, as it is rooted in the lived experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, opportunities to be part of such meaningful stories are rare.”

Diljit predicted ‘Satluj’ OTT takedown

Even before ‘Satluj’ was removed, Diljit had hinted that he believed the film’s availability in India could be short-lived. During an Instagram Live session, the actor urged fans to download the film while it was still streaming. “Today is Saturday. I feel it could be taken down by Monday. But no worries, you download it,” he said.