Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’, originally titled ‘Punjab 95’, has been removed from ZEE5 in India until further notice, shortly after making its long-awaited streaming debut. The film, inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had finally reached audiences after years of delays and an extended standoff with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).Confirming the development, ZEE5 issued an official statement on social media, reiterating its support for the film, its creators and their vision. The platform also said it is pursuing legal avenues to make the film available again in India.Released directly on ZEE5 instead of in theatres, the film arrived under the title ‘Satluj’ after the CBFC reportedly demanded more than 120 cuts before granting certification.The statement read, “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. 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. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives (sic),” it continued.Addressing the film’s removal, the platform added, “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 (sic).”The statement concluded by reaffirming ZEE5’s commitment to creators and to stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose.Sharing the announcement on social media, the streaming service captioned the post, “Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t. Thank you for the incredible love. We hope to bring it back soon.”Earlier on Sunday, former cricketer and Member of Parliament Harbhajan Singh had described the film as a must-watch.The project has been mired in controversy for years over certification issues. According to reports, the CBFC had proposed more than 100 changes, including altering the title and removing references to Punjab as well as the real-life identity of the protagonist. Director Honey Trehan and the producers maintained that the film was based on documented events, resulting in a prolonged impasse with the board and repeated postponements.The dispute also impacted the film’s international journey. It was withdrawn ahead of its scheduled premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival amid the ongoing certification row.
