Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ Taken Down Days After OTT Release; Here’s Why

July 6, 2026

Mumbai: Just days after its digital premiere, Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Satluj’ has been removed from the OTT platform Zee5 in India, with the streaming service citing “current developments” behind its decision.

In an official statement shared on Instagram, Zee5 clarified that while the film has been made unavailable in India until further notice, the platform continues to support the film and its creative vision.

Zee5 Says It Stands by the Film

Thanking viewers for the overwhelming response, Zee5 said:

“The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film.”

The platform added that it remains committed to backing meaningful storytelling.

“At Zee5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact.”

However, it announced that ‘Satluj’ will remain unavailable in India until further notice, adding that it is exploring all legal and appropriate avenues to restore the film at the earliest.

Why Was ‘Satluj’ Taken Down?

The removal comes amid renewed controversy surrounding the film, which is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal killings and secret cremations during Punjab’s militancy period in the 1990s.

Originally titled ‘Punjab 95’, the film reportedly faced objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which is said to have sought numerous cuts and changes, including alterations to references involving Punjab Police, political figures and historical events.

The filmmakers reportedly refused to implement several of the suggested cuts, delaying the film’s release for years.

Although the movie eventually premiered on Zee5 under the new title ‘Satluj’, reports suggest that fresh legal and regulatory concerns, along with objections related to the film’s sensitive subject matter, prompted the platform to temporarily withdraw it from streaming in India.

Neither Zee5 nor the makers have officially specified the exact legal or regulatory issue behind the latest decision.

Long Battle Before Release

Earlier titled ‘Punjab 95’, the film endured a prolonged censorship battle before finally receiving a digital release.

The makers have maintained that the film aims to present the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and his fight for justice, while supporters have argued that the film highlights an important chapter in Punjab’s history.

Zee5 has stated that it hopes to make ‘Satluj’ available again after completing the due process.