After years of battling certification hurdles, title changes and repeated release delays, Honey Trehan‘Satluj’, starring: Diljit DosanjhNow taken down from streaming platform Zee5.The film hit another roadblock, just within 48 hours of its OTT release. In an official statement, the streaming platform announced on Sunday that their film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been removed from the catalog of ZEE5 in India, while continuing to be available internationally on ZEE5 Global.
ZEE5 confirmed the removal of ‘Satluj’ from India
On July 5, the OTT platform issued a statement and announced that ‘Satluj’ will no longer be available for streaming in India, citing “current developments”.In a statement shared on Instagram, the streaming platform wrote, “Due to current developments, ‘Satluj’ will not be available in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our viewers at the earliest.”Thanking viewers for their support, the statement continued to read, “We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support means a lot to us and to everyone who brought this story to life. At ZEE5, we stand firm on ‘Satluj’ and the creative vision behind it. We believe that storytelling has an end, final effect and accuracy.“Assuring fans that they are working on releasing the film online, they added, “We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our viewers at the earliest.”
What is ‘Satluj’ about?
Satluj is based on the life of a human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged burning of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Diljit Dosanjh portrays Khalra, whose investigation into the disappearances brought national attention to the issue before he himself disappeared in 1995.In 2005, four Punjab policemen were convicted for Khalra’s abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their sentences to life imprisonment.
CBFC certification battle and delayed theatrical release
The film’s OTT release comes after years of controversy. Originally scheduled for a theatrical release in India, the social drama hit roadblocks with: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to reports, the board recommended a total of 127 cuts before giving the film certification. The delays ultimately forced manufacturers to postpone many release plans.The film, originally titled ‘Punjab ’95’, was set to release worldwide on February 7, 2025. However, it did not make its theatrical release.
From ‘Ghallughara’ to ‘Punjab ’95’ to ‘Satluj’
The project went through several title changes until its final release on July 3. The film was originally titled ‘Ghallughara’, a historical Punjabi term associated with the massacres of Sikhs in 1746, 1762 and 1984. However, according to reports, when the makers applied for certification in late 2022, the CBFC also removed the title film. to the Punjab. ’95’.The producers have reportedly challenged the certification order before the Bombay High Court. At the same time, the film was pulled from its planned premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At the time, a source told Variety that ‘political considerations’ played a role in the decision.Eventually, when the film had a digital release on July 3, with a new title, ‘Satluj’. Explaining the latest change, director Trehan told Variety, “We can’t take the previous title of the film. The title is now ‘Satluj’.”
Honey Trehan finally releases ‘Satluj’
On the release of the film, Trehan said in a statement, “From the beginning, our intention was to tell this story with honesty, sensitivity and without compromise. After a long wait, the audience will finally witness our labor of love and hard work. taking inspiration from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh.“Trehan added that his intention is to make the film with honesty, sensitivity and no compromise. “After a long wait, the audience will finally witness our labor of love and hard work. ‘Satluj’ is not just the story of an individual; it is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit in the midst of adversity.
Diljit Dosanjh on why he chose ‘Satluj’
Ahead of the OTT release, Diljit Dosanjh described ‘Satluj’ as one of the most meaningful projects of his career. He said, “Our film, ‘Satluj’, is a story of conviction, courage, and humanity, and portraying this character has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I am grateful that audiences around the world can finally watch the film on Zee5 and connect with a story that is so personal and authentic that everyone should watch.”“The actor also revealed what drew him to the project, saying, “Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the main reasons I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard the script, I was deeply moved, because it was rooted in the lived experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, opportunities to be a part of such meaningful stories are rare.”
Diljit predicts the removal of ‘Satluj’ OTT
Even before ‘Satluj’ was cleared, Diljit had hinted that he believed the film’s existence in India might not last long. During an Instagram Live session, the actor urged fans to download the film while it’s still streaming. “It’s Saturday. I feel like it might be taken on Monday. But don’t worry, you downloaded it,” he said.