After years of battling certification hurdles, title changes, and repeated launch delays, Honey Trehan‘Satluj’, starring Diljit Dosanjhit has now been pulled from the Zee5 streaming platform.The film hit another hurdle, within just 48 hours of its OTT release. In an official statement, the streaming platform announced on Sunday that its film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been pulled from ZEE5’s Indian catalog, although it remains available internationally on ZEE5 Global.
ZEE5 confirms removal of ‘Satluj’ from India
On July 5, the OTT platform issued a statement and announced that ‘Satluj’ would no longer be available for streaming in India, citing “current developments”.In a statement shared on Instagram, the streaming platform wrote, “In light of current developments, ‘Satluj’ will not be available in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.”Thanking the viewers for their support, the statement went on to say, “We are deeply grateful to all the viewers who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support has meant a lot to us and to everyone who brought this story to life. At ZEE5, we stand strongly with ‘Satluj’ and the creative vision behind it. We believe that powerful storytelling has a lasting impact and durable“Assuring fans that they are working to release the film online, they added, “We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film to our audience at the earliest opportunity.”
What is ‘Satluj’ about?
Satluj is based on the life of a human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Diljit Dosanjh portrays Khalra, whose investigation into disappearances brought national attention to the issue before he himself disappeared in 1995.In 2005, four members of the Punjab Police were convicted of Khalra’s abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court increased their sentences to life imprisonment.
Certification battle with CBFC and delayed theatrical release
The film’s OTT release came after years of controversy. Originally slated for a theatrical release in India, the social drama ran into hurdles with the Central Film Certification Board (CBFC). The board reportedly recommended a total of 127 cuts before granting the film certification. The delays eventually forced the makers to postpone several launch plans.The film, which was originally titled ‘Punjab ’95’, was slated for a worldwide theatrical release on February 7, 2025. However, it never got a theatrical release.
From ‘Ghallughara’ to ‘Punjab ’95’ to ‘Satluj’
The project has undergone multiple title changes leading up to its final release on July 3rd. The film was originally titled ‘Ghallughara’, a historical Punjabi term associated with the massacres of Sikhs in 1746, 1762 and 1984. However, when the makers applied for certification in late 2022, the CBFC also changed the title to CBFC21, according to reports. in Punjab ’95’.The producers reportedly challenged the certification order in the Bombay High Court. At the same time, the film was pulled from its planned premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023. At the time, a source told Variety that “political considerations” had played a role in the decision.Finally, when the film was released digitally on July 3, with a new title, ‘Satluj’. Explaining the latest change, director Trehan told Variety: “We couldn’t get the previous title for the film. The title is now ‘Satluj’.”
Honey Trehan on Finally Launching ‘Satluj’
At the film’s premiere, Trehan said in a statement, “From the beginning, our intention was to tell this story honestly, sensitively and without compromise. After a long wait, audiences 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 face of adversity. It is inspired by the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh.”“Trehan added that his intention was to make the film honestly, sensitively and without compromise. “After a long wait, audiences 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 face of adversity.
Diljit Dosanjh on why he chose ‘Satluj’
Ahead of the OTT launch, Diljit Dosanjh described ‘Satluj’ as one of the most significant 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 both deeply personal and truly essential for everyone.“The actor also revealed what drew him to the project, saying, “The martyrdom of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji and his contribution to humanity were the main reasons why I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard the script, I was deeply moved as it is 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 predicted the withdrawal of ‘Satluj’ OTT
Even before ‘Satluj’ was scrapped, Diljit had hinted that he believed the film’s availability in India might be short-lived. During an Instagram Live session, the actor urged fans to download the film while it was still streaming. “Today is Saturday. I think it might be taken down on Monday. But don’t worry, download it,” he said.