Diljit Dosanjh’s 'Satluj' Abruptly Pulled from OTT Days After Release

Just days after its highly anticipated and much-delayed release, the Honey Trehan-directed film Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Rampal, has been abruptly taken down from the streaming platform Zee5 in India. The film, which recounts a harrowing and powerful real-life chapter from Punjab ‘95, has been put on "pause" following what the platform described as "current developments," despite garnering widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Zee5 Issues Statement on the Sudden Disappearance

On Sunday, Zee5 released an official statement addressing the film's sudden unavailability. Expressing gratitude to the audience, the platform shared, “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.”

While Zee5 refrained from giving a specific reason as to why the movie was pulled, they emphasized their unwavering support for the creators. “At Zee5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it... 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.”

Diljit Dosanjh’s Eerie Prediction

Interestingly, lead actor Diljit Dosanjh seemed to anticipate the censorship issues well before the film was pulled. During a recent Instagram LIVE session, when a fan asked if he feared the film might be taken down, Dosanjh admitted his apprehensions. “Today is Saturday. I feel it could be taken down by Monday. But no worries, you download it,” he told his followers.

Following its initial release, Dosanjh also shared an emotional note on social media, reflecting on the long and difficult journey to get the film made:

"I used to constantly ask the team, 'Will this film ever come out? Can't we tell our own story?' Khalra Sahib's voice was suppressed back in 1995... and even today, his voice is being suppressed... Where do we stand?"

About ‘Satluj’

Previously titled Punjab ‘95, the film took over three years to secure a release. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had originally demanded a staggering 125 cuts for a theatrical release, which the filmmaking team heavily resisted.

Opting for an uncut digital premiere instead, Satluj finally debuted on Zee5 on July 3, only to be taken down within 48 hours on July 5. The film centers around the real-life story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist who investigated grave police atrocities, uncovering the alleged illegal cremation of 25,000 unidentified people in Punjab.