ZEE5 Pulls Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' in India Amid Censorship Row

ZEE5 removed the film 'Satluj' starring Diljit Dosanjh from its platform in India on Sunday, just two days after its premiere. The OTT platform cited 'current developments' for the decision, stating the film would be unavailable in India until further notice.

The film, directed by Honey Trehan, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated human rights abuses during the counter-insurgency operations in Punjab in the 1980s and 1990s. It had faced prolonged delays due to a censorship dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

In a statement, ZEE5 expressed gratitude for the audience response and reaffirmed commitment to the film's creative vision. The platform said it would explore all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film back to audiences. The film originally titled 'Punjab 95' premiered on July 3 after years of delays stemming from CBFC demands for multiple cuts.

Trehan had earlier detailed the certification process, saying the board sought changes including altering the protagonist's name, removing visuals of the Indian flag, omitting sounds of 'gurbani', avoiding reference to Punjab Police, and changing the film's name. The matter reached the Bombay High Court in 2023 but was withdrawn. The filmmakers eventually complied with all cuts and released the film under the title 'Satluj'.

The film revisits a sensitive period in Punjab's history, focusing on disappearances and alleged extra-judicial killings during counter-insurgency operations. It stars Diljit Dosanjh, Kanwaljeet Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.