Why Was Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj Removed From ZEE5? Will It Return to OTT? Full Story Explained

July 7, 2026

A film that survived years of censorship battles only to vanish from screens in days – the story of ‘Satluj’ highlights the tricky balance between free expression and national security in India’s entertainment world.

The Real Story Behind the Film

‘Satluj’ is a biographical drama starring popular Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. It tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist from Punjab. In the 1990s, Khalra exposed alleged human rights abuses by Punjab Police during the fight against militancy. He disappeared in 1995, and later four police officers were convicted in his abduction and murder case.

The film, directed by Honey Trehan, tries to show the dark period of Punjab’s history between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s. This was a time of pro-Khalistan terrorism followed by strong police action, which many say involved excesses. The movie is based on real events and has received praise for Diljit’s performance.

History of Censorship Struggle

The makers first submitted the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under the original title Punjab 95. The CBFC suggested around 127 cuts, mainly due to sensitive content. The filmmakers did not agree to all changes and did not return for clearance. They also challenged some objections in the Bombay High Court but later withdrew the case.

Theatrical release remained stuck for nearly three years. The film was even scheduled for the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 but faced reported objections. Eventually, the makers released an uncut version on the OTT platform ZEE5 on July 3, 2026, under the new title Satluj. OTT platforms have more relaxed rules than theatres, so no CBFC certificate was needed.

The Sudden Removal

Just two days later, on July 5, 2026, ZEE5 removed the film from its India catalogue. The platform said in a statement: “In light of the current developments, ‘Satluj’ will be unavailable in India until further notice.” It remains available internationally on ZEE5 Global.

Government sources said the Centre used its powers under the Information Technology (IT) Rules 2021. The main reason was national security. Certain portions of the film, they claimed, could be misused by anti-India forces. The government asked ZEE5 to take it down as an intermediary following due obligations.

Reactions and Controversy

The removal sparked strong criticism in Punjab. Political parties and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the move. Diljit Dosanjh had earlier said he was “absolutely certain” such issues would arise and urged fans to watch it wherever possible. Pirated copies quickly spread online.

Latest Development: Committee Formed

On July 7, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to examine the film’s content. The committee will review it thoroughly and give recommendations to the government. This step comes after the takedown and aims to address concerns properly.

Will It Return?

It is not clear yet if or when Satluj will return to OTT in India. The platform has said it will explore all avenues through due process. The film’s future depends on the committee’s review and any further decisions by the government. Makers may need to make changes or follow formal certification routes for wider release.

This case has again raised questions about content regulation on OTT platforms, which fall between cinema rules and internet freedom. A parliamentary committee had earlier suggested stronger laws in this area. The Satluj episode shows how sensitive historical topics still create big debates in India.