The human rights drama Satluj, starring Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has been removed from streaming platform ZEE5 in India just days after its release sparking renewed debate over censorship and creative freedom.
Directed by Honey Trehan, the film premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was taken down within two days. In an official statement, the platform said the film would remain unavailable in India “until further notice” due to unspecified “current developments.”
Despite the removal, ZEE5 expressed support for the project stating it is committed to exploring all possible avenues to bring the film back to audiences.
Satluj tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged unlawful killings and disappearances of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra himself disappeared in 1995 and several police officers were later convicted in connection with his abduction and murder.
The film has faced a long and difficult journey to release. Initially titled Ghallughara and later Punjab ’95, the project encountered significant hurdles with India’s Central Board of Film Certification, which reportedly demanded multiple cuts and even a title change.
These disputes led to delays spanning several years, including the film’s withdrawal from the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. As of 2025, the film had still not received certification for theatrical release in India.
Director Honey Trehan expressed shock over the film’s sudden removal, saying he was unaware of the decision until after it was implemented.
While Satluj is currently unavailable in India, it continues to stream in international markets. The situation has reignited conversations around censorship, political pressure and the challenges faced by filmmakers addressing sensitive historical and human rights issues.
Keywords: Satluj film removed India, Diljit Dosanjh Satluj controversy, Punjab 95 censorship, ZEE5 Satluj removal, Jaswant Singh Khalra film
