Mumbai, July 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The controversy surrounding ‘Satluj’, the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has deepened with the film now being removed from ZEE5’s international streaming library, days after it was taken down from the platform in India.
The development effectively makes the film unavailable on ZEE5 both in India and overseas, further intensifying debate over its release and subsequent withdrawal.
Originally produced under the title ‘Punjab 95’, the film was released on ZEE5 on July 3 after spending nearly four years in limbo amid certification-related issues and censorship disputes. However, it was withdrawn from the Indian platform within 48 hours.
While the film continued to remain accessible to viewers outside India for several days, reports on Friday confirmed that it has now also disappeared from ZEE5’s international catalogue.
Director Honey Trehan, when contacted by media regarding the global removal, confirmed the development with a brief response, saying, “Yes.”
Social Media Reacts
The international removal triggered widespread discussion across social media platforms, particularly X and Reddit, where users reported that the film had become unavailable in multiple countries.
Many users described the move as an extension of the earlier withdrawal in India, while others argued that the controversy had generated even greater public curiosity about the film.
Some social media users observed that attempts to restrict access had unintentionally increased interest in the film, with viewers actively searching for alternative ways to watch it.
Pirated Copies Continue to Circulate
Following its removal from ZEE5 India earlier this month, pirated copies of Satluj surfaced on various online platforms, including YouTube and file-sharing networks.
Several users on social media pointed out that despite the official withdrawal, digital copies of the film continue to circulate online, making it difficult to completely restrict public access.
Others expressed sympathy for the filmmakers, saying the production deserved a proper commercial release instead of widespread piracy.
Long Journey to Release
The film, directed by Honey Trehan, traces the life and work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose investigations into alleged illegal cremations and enforced disappearances during Punjab’s militancy years attracted national and international attention.
Initially titled ‘Punjab 95’, the project reportedly faced prolonged delays after being submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022.
The filmmakers have earlier alleged that the CBFC sought 127 cuts before certification. The film was also scheduled for screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening did not take place after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
Eventually, the film premiered directly on ZEE5 under the new title ‘Satluj’.
Government, ZEE5 and Filmmakers
After withdrawing the film from its Indian platform, ZEE5 issued a statement saying:
“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.”
An official spokesperson for co-producer RSVP Movies, headed by Ronnie Screwvala, had indicated that the film was removed following government intervention while expressing hope that it would return to streaming.
Government sources, meanwhile, maintained that the film had been released directly on OTT under a changed title without CBFC certification. While OTT platforms do not fall under the CBFC’s certification regime, officials reportedly said the platform had been asked to comply with obligations under the Information Technology intermediary guidelines, citing security concerns.
Writer Rejects ‘Marketing Stunt’ Claims
Responding to speculation surrounding the film’s removal, writer Niren Bhatt rejected suggestions that the controversy was a promotional exercise.
He said every producer hopes to recover the investment made in a film and that the original intention had always been to release Satluj in cinemas before eventually bringing it to OTT audiences.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Appeal
Before the film disappeared from ZEE5 India, lead actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed fans during an Instagram Live session, saying he was aware the film was likely to be taken down.
He urged viewers who had already watched the film to encourage others to see it and reiterated his emotional bond with Punjab.
The latest international takedown is expected to further fuel discussion around Satluj, a film that has remained at the centre of legal, political and artistic debate since its production.
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