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Diljit Dosanjh unsurprised by ‘Satluj’ removal from Zee5, says was ‘bound to happen’ ‘I am thankful that what we wanted to say and the way we wanted to say, it has been conveyed. It is your film and you can watch it the way you want to,’ he said

Why India Has Spent Years Blocking the Release of Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ Censors demanded 127 cuts to the film that explores a dark period of police brutality in Punjab state. Filmmakers say it’s the latest, chilling example of entrenched censorship.

Centre forms interdepartmental panel to examine contents of 'Satluj ... Centre forms interdepartmental panel to examine contents of 'Satluj' after OTT takedown PTC News Desk:The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday constituted a high-level interdepartmental committee (IDC) to examine the contents of Diljit Dosanjh starrer 'Satluj', based on the abduction and killing human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The development follows MIB's direction to take down the movie from OTT platform Zee5. According to sources, the government's order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and relevant provisions of the IT Rules, 2021. These laws allow the government to direct online platforms to block or remove content for reasons such as national security, public order, and the sovereignty and integrity of India. Officials said the matter is currently being reviewed by an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), which examines complaints related to online content and makes recommendations to the Centre. The film, originally titled Punjab '95, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was abducted in 1995 and never seen again.…

'Why Diljit Dosanjh chooses controversial films': FWICE President BN Tiwari amid 'Satluj' row Following the abrupt and highly controversial removal of Honey Trehan’s biographical drama 'Satluj' (originally titled 'Punjab ’95') from streaming platform ZEE5 India just 48 hours after its premiere, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President BN Tiwari has strongly criticized lead actor Diljit Dosanjh. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Tiwari expressed deep surprise over the Punjabi superstar's recurring inclination toward politically sensitive and controversial scripts, emphasizing that global icons must keep "nation first" and avoid choosing roles purely for financial gain.

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj controversy takes new turn as Union Minister ... The controversy surroundingDiljit Dosanjh’s filmSatlujhas taken another turn after Union MinisterRavneet Singh Bittureacted strongly to the film’s removal from ZEE5. While questions continue over why the movie disappeared from the streaming platform within two days of release, Bittu rejected claims that the Centre had any role in the decision. He also launched a sharp attack on Diljit, accusing him of misleading people and questioning his intentions behind the controversy. His remarks have added a fresh political angle to the ongoing debate around the film. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu called Diljit Dosanjh an “impostor” while addressing the controversy over Satluj’s OTT removal. He claimed that the government does not control streaming platforms and denied allegations that the Centre was behind the film being removed from ZEE5. Speaking in Ludhiana, Bittu questioned why the film was allowed to stream initially if authorities wanted it removed. He said the timing of the removal raised doubts and claimed that the controversy was being presented differently by some people. Bittu, who is the grandson of …

Centre escalates action against Satluj, refers film to high-level ... India Media Centre escalates action against Satluj, refers film to high-level committee after ordering OTT takedown sabrangindia July 7, 2026 Share Facebook Twitter Linkedin WhatsApp Invoking Section 69A of the IT Act, the Centre has ordered Satluj offline pending further review under the IT Rules Image: IMDB The Union government has escalated its action against Satluj , the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer based on the life of slain human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra, by referring the film to a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted under Rule 14 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The move comes just a day after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) directed streaming platform ZEE5 to remove the film from its platform under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. According to Hindustan Times , the IDC will now examine the contents of the film and make recommendations to the Union government regarding any further action. The committee forms part of the government’s oversight mechanism for OTT platforms and digita…

'Satluj' controversy explained: All you need to know about the Diljit Dosanjh starrer Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj', based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been removed from Zee5 in India just 48 hours after its release. The streaming platform cited 'current developments' for the removal, though it remains available internationally. The film faced numerous delays and title changes due to certification battles with the CBFC, which had recommended extensive cuts.

Centre forms panel to examine Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' after OTT ... The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has referred the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj to the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted under Rule 14 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to examine the film's content. The move came a day after the MIB directed OTT platform Zee5 to take down the film under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Also Read |Satluj row explained: Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra and why does his life story make Diljit Dosanjh film controversial? Section 69A empowers the government to direct intermediaries to block or remove access to online content on specified grounds including public order, national security, and the sovereignty and integrity of India. Part 3 of the IT Rules extends this framework, in a limited way, to publishers of online curated content and digital news, empowering the MIB to issue such directions to OTT platforms and news publishers. A senior MIB official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the matter is now being examined by the IDC. The committee is part of th…

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj removed from Zee5 days after release, fans ... Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj, previously titled Punjab 95, finally premiered on OTT on July 3, 2026, after years of delays and controversy. However, the film has now been removed from Zee5 India. Several viewers took to social media, claiming the film stopped playing midway, while others said it had become unavailable on the platform. Responding to the complaints, Zee5 later issued an official statement confirming that Satluj has been removed in India until further notice. They added that they are exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to viewers soon. Sharing an official statement on Instagram, Zee 5 India wrote, "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. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life. 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. We remain committed to championing a…

Political row erupts in Punjab after Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' is ... The removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film "Satluj" from an OTT platform has sparked a strong backlash from political parties and Sikh bodies in Punjab on Monday (July 6), stating that the movie leaves no option but for India to confront one of the state's "darkest chapters," adding that, instead of burying it through censorship, history must be confronted with honesty. Slamming the removal of the film from the ZEE5 platform, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said, "This is not mere censorship, it is an assault on our collective memory, truth, and freedom of expression". Also Read:Why was Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ removed from ZEE5? Streaming platform responds Originally titled "Punjab 95" and based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film was released in India on streaming service ZEE5 on Friday last. However, it became unavailable on the platform just two days later. Senior Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the removal of the film, saying that it deals with a painful c…

Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty: SAD chief Sukhbir ... IANS SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal (In pic) said he was shocked and saddened by the "arbitrary removal of Satluj from ZEE5 in India." Chandigarh: SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday slammed the removal of Diljit Dosanjh 's long-delayed film "Satluj" from an OTT platform, saying Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty, not suppression. The film, originally titled " Punjab 95 ", was released in India on streaming service ZEE5 on Friday last. However, it became unavailable on the platform just two days later. Badal said he was shocked and saddened by the "arbitrary removal of Satluj from #ZEE5 in India". Read More: Police forces remain outside Mamata Banerjee's residence ahead of Baruipur visit after 11-year girl's rape & murder This is not mere censorship, it is an assault on our collective memory, truth, and freedom of expression, he said. Live Events "I strongly condemn this move. Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty, not suppression," Badal said in a post on X. "A powerful film that courageously unveils Punjab's painful history and honours the supreme sacrifice of S. Jaswant Singh …

Diljit's 'Satluj' released without certification process being completed: Centre Based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, Satluj had been at the centre of a prolonged certification dispute before it was released on ZEE5 on Friday under a new title. The streaming platform later withdrew the film from India, saying it would remain unavailable until further notice. According to officials in the information and broadcasting ministry, the film did not have the mandatory certification required for a theatrical release before it was made available online.

Satluj: Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal's Controversial Film REMOVED From ... Just two days after its long-awaited release, Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has been removed from ZEE5 in India. Following the unexpected takedown, the streaming platform issued an official statement on Sunday (July 5), assuring viewers that it continues to support the film and is working to bring it back. The film, inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had finally premiered on ZEE5 on Friday after years of delays and censorship-related hurdles. Originally titled Punjab 95, the film was released under the new name Satluj after complying with multiple cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Read Also Satluj Review: Diljit Dosanjh's Film Carries The Weight Of A Nation's Conscience Addressing the film's removal, 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. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life. At Zee 5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. W…

Why India Has Spent Years Blocking the Release of Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ Censors demanded 127 cuts to the film that explores a dark period of police brutality in Punjab state. Filmmakers say it’s the latest, chilling example of entrenched censorship.

Govt got 'Satluj' pulled off OTT on security grounds The government asked ZEE5 to remove the film 'Satluj' citing security concerns. This action followed the movie's release on the OTT platform after a long delay. The film depicts the story of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and his disappearance. Its makers released the movie on ZEE5 with a new name after censor objections. Families of victims oppose the ban, believing the film acknowledges a painful history.

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj removed from Zee5 India 2 days after release - Mint Just two days after its release,Diljit Dosanjh'sSatlujhas been removed from ZEE5 in India. The film, which premiered on the platform on July 3 under the new title Satluj, was originally titled Punjab '95. Confirming the development,ZEE5issued a statement on X, thanking viewers for the response the film received following its release. "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. Your Love And Support Have Meant A Great Deal To Us And To Everyone Who Brought This Story To Life," the platform said. Reiterating its support for the film, ZEE5 said it continues to stand by Satluj and the team behind it. "At Zee 5, 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. We Remain Committed To Championing Authentic And Meaningful Narratives," the statement read. The platform also confirmed that the film will remain unavailable for viewers in India until further notice. "In Light Of The Curren…

Union minister Ravneet Bittu calls Diljit Dosanjh 'impostor' amid Satluj row The controversy over Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj has taken a fresh political turn. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has called the actor-singer an "impostor" while denying allegations that the Centre had anything to do with the film being taken down from Zee5. Speaking in Ludhiana, Bittu said the government has no control over OTT platforms and dismissed claims that political pressure led to the film's removal.

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj pulled from ZEE5 two days after release ZEE5 says it is working to restore the film after its removal Dubai: After a four-year struggle with India’s film certification process, Diljit Dosanjh-starrerSatluj(previously titledPunjab 95) was briefly released on OTT platform ZEE5 in India before being taken down two days later, Indian media reports said. The film, directed by Honey Trehan, was made available on July 3 without cuts, marking its long-delayed digital release after skipping a theatrical run in India. However, its availability was short-lived, with ZEE5 confirming through an official statement that it had been removed from streaming in India until further notice. The platform did not specify the reason for the removal but said it was working to restore the film through appropriate channels. In a post shared on Instagram, ZEE5 thanked viewers for the strong response to the film and said the support had meant a great deal to the team behind it. “The response toSatlujsince its release has been overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film,” the statement said. ZEE5 also reiterated its suppo…

Satluj: A Film That Refuses to Let the Dead Disappear Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra has been silenced once again. Three decades have passed since Punjab Police personnel abducted him from his home, subjected him to inhuman torture, and ultimately killed him. Yet even today, Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra continues to challenge the darkness, exposing the truth about one of the darkest periods in independent India's history. Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the fate of countless disappeared and unidentified victims, himself became a victim of the same machinery of custodial torture, enforced disappearance, and extrajudicial killing that he had courageously documented. Like many of those whose stories he sought to bring to light, his body was allegedly disposed of in the Harike canal never to be found. We watched Satluj Yesterday. By this afternoon, news broke that the film had been removed from Zee5 and would not be shown in India. After facing censorship for nearly four years, the film, originally titled Ghallughara, later renamed Panjab 95, and finally released as Satluj, had briefly become available on Zee5 without cuts, only to be taken down within 48  hours for Indian audiences.…

'I challenge the darkness': Diljit Dosanjh reacts after 'Satluj' OTT removal Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj', previously facing CBFC issues, was removed from Zee5 in India just two days after its digital release. The actor reacted strongly, posting '#ichallengethedarkness' and stating the film's unavailability is a setback. The streaming platform expressed commitment to bringing the film back, emphasizing its authentic narrative, while acknowledging the pause in its availability.

Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ removed from ZEE5 two days after release Directed by Honey Trehan, the film was earlier titled Punjab 95 and faced a long battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

PIL filed in Punjab and Haryana HC for restoring Satluj on OTT A Public Interest Litigation seeks the restoration of Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' on ZEE5. The film was removed from the streaming platform within two days of its release. This action is being challenged as a violation of freedom of speech and expression rights. The petition questions the lack of public justification for the film's removal. Authorities have formed a committee to examine the issue while reasons remain undisclosed.

'Shocked and saddened': Sukhbir Badal slams 'Satluj's removal from ZEE5 'Satluj' was removed from Zee5 India 'Shocked and saddened': Sukhbir Badal slams 'Satluj's removal from ZEE5 By Isha Sharma Jul 06, 2026 11:32 am What's the story Just two days after its release, the film Satluj (originally titled Punjab 95 ) was suddenly taken down from ZEE5 . The move has drawn criticism from Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal , who called it an "assault on our collective memory, truth, and freedom of expression." He took to X to express his discontent with the removal of the film. Statement 'Satluj' can't be silenced, says Badal Badal wrote, "Shocked and saddened by the arbitrary removal of # Satluj from #ZEE5 in India." "A powerful film that courageously unveils Punjab's painful history and honors the supreme sacrifice of S. Jaswant Singh Ji Khalra cannot be silenced this way." "Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty, not suppression." Twitter Post Read Badal's statement here Shocked and saddened by the arbitrary removal of #Satluj from #ZEE5 in India. A powerful film that courageously unveils Punjab’s painful history and honours the supreme sacrifice of S…

From Punjab '95 to Satluj: When cinema becomes a battlefield over ... India Rights From Punjab ’95 to Satluj: When cinema becomes a battlefield over history, memory and censorship sabrangindia July 6, 2026 Share Facebook Twitter Linkedin WhatsApp From demands for 127 cuts to a sudden removal from ZEE5 just days after release, Punjab '95 has become a defining case study of the constitutional promise of free expression For nearly three years, one of India’s most anticipated political films remained trapped in a bureaucratic and legal limbo. When it finally reached audiences, it did so quietly, stripped of its original title, denied a theatrical release, and burdened by years of controversy. Barely forty-eight hours later, it disappeared again. The story of Punjab ’95 —eventually released on ZEE5 as Satluj —has now become far larger than the film itself. It has evolved into one of the most significant contemporary debates on censorship, artistic freedom and the State’s uneasy relationship with politically sensitive histories. At its centre, lies a profound constitutional question: Can a democracy allow uncomfortable truths to be told through cinema, particularly when those truths con…

Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' removed from OTT two days after release Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj', formerly 'Punjab 95', has been pulled from ZEE5 in India shortly after its streaming debut. The movie, inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, faced significant delays and a standoff with the CBFC over numerous proposed cuts. ZEE5 confirmed the removal, stating they are pursuing legal options to reinstate the film and reaffirming their commitment to powerful storytelling.