ZEE5 has removed ‘Satluj,’ starring Diljit Dosanjh, from its Indian catalogue just two days after its premiere, citing it as ‘unavailable until further notice.’
New Delhi, India Jul 6, 2026 ALN: UPDATED: ZEE5 has removed “Satluj,” the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, from its Indian catalogue less than two days after the film’s July 3 premiere, the platform said in a statement posted to Instagram. The film remains available on ZEE5 Global for audiences outside India.
The platform did not specify a reason for the removal, which has raised questions and speculation among fans and industry insiders alike. The abrupt decision to pull the film shortly after its release is particularly noteworthy given the film's background and the sensitive subject matter it addresses.
ZEE5 expressed gratitude for the film's reception, stating, "The response to ‘Satluj’ since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to 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. 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. Our commitment to creators and to stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose remains unwavering.”
The platform’s Instagram caption struck a more defiant note: “‘Satluj’ may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t.” This statement suggests that while the film may no longer be accessible in India, the themes it explores and the discussions it has ignited will continue to resonate, especially given the historical context surrounding its narrative.
PREVIOUSLY: “Satluj,” the Honey Trehan-directed drama inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, began streaming globally on ZEE5 Global on July 3, in full and without cuts, three years after the film first ran into trouble with India’s censor board. The film's journey to release has been fraught with challenges, reflecting broader tensions in Indian society regarding freedom of expression and the portrayal of sensitive historical events.
Produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, the social drama stars Diljit Dosanjh alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. It traces Khalra’s decades-long pursuit of justice for more than 25,000 people who disappeared during Punjab’s insurgency-era crackdowns, and the personal cost of his fight against a system determined to suppress the truth. Khalra's activism, which included documenting the disappearances and advocating for the victims' families, is a critical chapter in the history of human rights in India.
The project has carried three names on its way to release. It was originally titled “Ghallughara,” a historic term for the massacres of Sikhs in 1746, 1762, and 1984. When RSVP applied for certification from India’s Central Board of Film Certification in late 2022, the six-month process ended with the film cleared for 21 cuts and a mandated title change to “Punjab ’95.” RSVP appealed that ruling in the Bombay High Court. Around the same time, the film was withdrawn from its planned gala premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival; a source told at the time that political factors were involved in that decision. This sequence of events underscores the complex interplay between cinema, censorship, and political sensitivities in India.
“We could not get the previous title of the film. The title is now ‘Satluj,'” Trehan said in a statement. “This is the complete film, without any cuts or compromises, in its original form as we always intended. It wouldn’t have been possible without Diljit paji and our producers and their will to stand for its integrity. As both Diljit paji and I had previously said, we would not endorse a compromised version of the film.” This commitment to artistic integrity is a significant aspect of the film's narrative, reflecting the broader struggle for truth and justice in a society often marked by political and social turmoil.
Harish Goyal, territory head for the Americas at ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., added: “For South Asian audiences across North America, cinema remains an important connection to the history, realities, and voices of the subcontinent. With Diljit Dosanjh bringing remarkable honesty and conviction to this deeply meaningful role, we believe ‘Satluj’ will resonate strongly with audiences here.” This acknowledgment of the diaspora's connection to such narratives highlights the film's potential impact beyond Indian borders, particularly among communities seeking representation of their histories and struggles in mainstream media.
Kaveri Das, business head for Hindi content at ZEE5, said, “This is a film about courage, resilience, and the fight for justice, and it deserves a platform that will stand behind it with conviction.” The emphasis on courage and resilience is particularly poignant in the context of Khalra's story, as it encapsulates not only his personal sacrifices but also the broader struggles faced by countless families affected by political violence and state repression.
Producer Ronnie Screwvala added: “Honey’s passion and conviction made this journey truly special, and from the very beginning, we knew there was no one better than Diljit to bring this character to life with the honesty and depth it deserved.” This statement reflects a collaborative effort among the filmmakers to ensure that the film's portrayal of Khalra's life and activism is both respectful and impactful.
Dosanjh, who plays Khalra, said, “Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the primary reasons I chose to be a part of this film. I felt a strong sense of responsibility towards the film and was committed to portraying such an inspiring character with truth, honesty, and utmost respect.” His commitment to authentically representing Khalra's legacy resonates with audiences who value stories of social justice and human rights.
Trehan previously directed the 2020 Netflix thriller “Raat Akeli Hai” and its follow-up “Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders” (2025). Suvinder Vicky’s credits include the Netflix series “Kohrra” and the Cannes and Venice selections “The Fourth Direction” and “Milestone,” respectively. The involvement of these established filmmakers lends further credibility to the project and underscores the importance of bringing such narratives to the forefront of contemporary cinema.
The removal of “Satluj” from ZEE5's Indian catalogue not only raises questions about censorship and the freedom of expression in India but also highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for victims of state violence. As discussions around the film continue, it remains to be seen how ZEE5 will navigate the complexities surrounding its return to the Indian market and what implications this may have for future projects tackling similar themes.
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