Satluj has once again become the center of controversy after it was removed from ZEE5’s Indian library just two days after its release, reigniting debate over censorship, artistic freedom, and films based on sensitive historical events.
The film premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after spending nearly four years facing certification and release delays. However, on July 5, it was removed from the platform in India without a detailed public explanation. ZEE5 later confirmed that the film would remain unavailable for Indian viewers until further notice while continuing to stream internationally through ZEE5 Global.
In a statement, ZEE5 said it stood by the film and its creative vision and would pursue all available legal and regulatory options to restore it for audiences in India. The platform added, “Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t.”
Originally developed under the titles Ghallughara and later Punjab ’95, the film endured years of delays after India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly sought numerous edits and requested a title change. Director Honey Trehan said the filmmakers resisted the requested changes, resulting in a prolonged certification process.
The film was also withdrawn from its planned premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and did not receive certification for a theatrical release in India.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures, Satluj stars Diljit Dosanjh as Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
The story follows Khalra’s efforts to expose the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified people in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra disappeared in 1995, and six Punjab Police officers were later convicted in connection with his abduction and murder.
The film also features Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
Writer Niren Bhatt rejected suggestions that the film could serve as anti-India propaganda. He questioned why Satluj was being treated differently from politically sensitive films such as The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, arguing that similar standards should apply.
Bhatt also expressed disappointment over what he described as years of silence from authorities, saying the filmmakers were never clearly informed which scenes were considered objectionable or why the film was ultimately removed from the streaming platform.
While ZEE5 did not publicly disclose the reason for the removal, a government source told news agencies that the platform had been instructed to take down the film due to security-related concerns. According to the source, the movie was initially released because OTT platforms do not require CBFC certification, but authorities later invoked intermediary guidelines after becoming aware of its availability.
The removal has also renewed discussion over restrictions on works related to Sikh history and politics. Critics have pointed to previous release restrictions involving films and songs such as Qaum De Heere, Sadda Haq, Toofan Singh, SYL by Sidhu Moose Wala, and Rihaa by Kanwar Grewal.
Supporters argue these actions raise concerns about freedom of expression, while authorities have cited legal, regulatory, or security considerations in different cases.
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