Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' Vanishes From ZEE5 Two Days After Release, Its Streaming Future Explained

If we thought that 1984 was a dark chapter for Punjab, Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj revisits another painful period. Especially the one marked with thousands of extrajudicial killings. The film is based on the life of human rights activist, Jaswant Singh Khalra. But the sensitive subject forced the film to spend nearly three years fighting for a release. Just when the audience finally got a chance to watch it, the film disappeared from Zee5 within 48 hours. Needless to say, it left the fans shocked. Meanwhile, the streaming platform has now addressed the sudden removal and shared an update on whether the film could return. 

Zee5 admits the return of Satluj is uncertain

Satluj premiered on Zee5 on July 3, 2026, after years of delays. But, within a few hours on July 5, 2026 the film was no longer available to stream in India. The sudden move came despite the film winning immense praise from critics. In turn, fans who had just started learning about the movie were left confused when it disappeared from the platform without prior notice. 

The film's streaming platform, Zee5, thanked audiences for their support. They also praised the audience response and clarified that they stood firmly behind it and the creative vision of its makers. However, it added that due to "current developments", the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice.

Although Zee5 did not reveal the exact reason for its decision to take the movie down, it assured viewers that it would continue to explore all appropriate legal avenues to bring it back as soon as possible. But, until now, there is no confirmed date for its return.

Interestingly, Diljit Dosanjh had already hinted that something like this could happen. During an Instagram Live session after the film's release, a fan asked whether he feared that Satluj would be removed. In turn, the actor admitted that he did. He even joked that the film might not remain online until Monday and encouraged fans to download it while they could. 

After the release, Diljit also shared an emotional message on social media, saying he often wondered whether Satluj would even be released because it tells a story which has been suppressed for decades. But he also thanked the team for believing the day would come when audiences could watch it. 

Why did Satluj take three years to release?

For those unaware, Satluj's release was anything but smooth. Initially, the film was titled Ghallughara. But, later, the CBFC objections forced them to rename it to Punjab '95 before finally releasing it as Satluj. These changes were followed by a lengthy certification process involving the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Initially, the film was submitted for certification in late 2022. At that time, the CBFC asked for more than 120 cuts before approving theatrical release. But, the film's director, Honey Trehan and the makers reportedly refused to accept the extensive changes.

In turn, it led to a long legal and certification battle. The film was also withdrawn from its planned premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, which further delayed its release. Therefore, after years of uncertainty, the makers eventually released an uncut version on Zee5 rather than in theatres. 

More about Diljit Dosanjh starrer Satluj 

Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist, Jaswant Singh Khalra. He had investigated the illegal killings and secret cremations during and after Punjab's militancy period. According to historical accounts, Jaswant found important evidence released to thousands of unidentified cremations. 

In turn, he brought it to international attention before he disappeared in 1995. In fact, Diljit plays the titular role of Jaswant Singh Khalra and portrays his fight for justice and truth. Yet, the sensitive historical subject at a has made it one of the most controversial movie projects in recent years. 

What do you think about Satluj being removed from Zee5 and its uncertain return?

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