Poster of the film. / IANS

A day after Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj was removed from ZEE5, officials from India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the film was released without completing the mandatory certification process.

Originally titled Panjab 95, the film has been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which reportedly sought multiple cuts and a title change. Officials alleged the filmmakers bypassed certification by renaming the film and releasing it directly on the OTT platform, potentially violating the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh-starrer 'Satluj' taken down days after OTT release

Released over the weekend in its reportedly uncut form, Satluj was subsequently withdrawn from streaming in India.

Film Removed Within 48 Hours

Satluj began streaming on ZEE5 on 3rd JulyFriday evening and was removed on Sunday evening, less than 48 hours later. The film had received positive reviews during its brief availability.

Based on the life of late human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film recounts his investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings in Punjab during the years of militancy. The project had already faced a prolonged struggle to secure a public release since 2023.

Producer RSVP confirmed that the film was removed at the government's direction. Separately, NDTV, citing government sources, reported that authorities believed certain portions of the film could be used "against India."

Diljit Dosanjh Defends 'Guerrilla Release'

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has spoken publicly after his film Satluj was removed from the streaming platform ZEE5 less than two days after its release in India.

In an Instagram Live session, Dosanjh said the decision did not come as a surprise to him, adding that the makers had anticipated obstacles from the outset and therefore opted for what he described as a "guerrilla release" with virtually no advance publicity.

Thanking viewers who watched or downloaded the film before it was taken down, Dosanjh said the team's primary objective was to ensure the film reached audiences, even if only briefly. He also argued that once content is available on the internet, it cannot be completely erased.

A Four-Year Struggle

Reflecting on the film's journey, Dosanjh described the past several years as a prolonged battle to bring the project before audiences. He recalled that production itself faced repeated interruptions, with filming halted for several days on multiple occasions.

He praised director Honey Trehan for his commitment to the project and expressed hope that Satluj would eventually return to ZEE5. For the team, he said, audience access to the film mattered more than commercial returns.

When viewers told him they had downloaded the film before it disappeared from the platform, Dosanjh welcomed the response and encouraged them to continue watching it. He also challenged the idea that material already circulating online could be completely removed from the internet.

ZEE5 Vows to Bring Film Back

Streaming platform ZEE5 has announced that its film Satluj has been taken down in India until further notice amid ongoing developments. In a statement, the platform thanked viewers for the overwhelming response, saying the film received immense love since its release and expressing gratitude to subscribers who supported it.

ZEE5 reiterated its commitment to Satluj and the creative vision behind the project, emphasizing its belief in authentic and meaningful storytelling. The platform said it is exploring all appropriate legal and procedural avenues to restore the film for Indian audiences at the earliest opportunity while continuing to support creators and artistic integrity.

From Punjab '95 to Satluj

The film was originally titled Punjab '95. Following a three-year certification process, it eventually premiered on ZEE5 without cuts but under a new title. Its release journey began attracting attention in 2023 when it was withdrawn from the Toronto International Film Festival shortly after its scheduled premiere was announced.

For its Indian release, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly sought 127 changes, including a title change and the removal of references to Punjab.

Director Honey Trehan had previously said that he had no objection to legitimate edits made under the law but expressed concern about restrictions he believed were influenced by political considerations.

Discover more at New India Abroad.