The biographical drama Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh as human rights investigator Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from the ZEE5 platform in India on July 5, 2025, less than 48 hours after its digital premiere. While ZEE5 Global continues to stream the film internationally, the platform stated the title will remain unavailable in India “until further notice” due to unspecified “current developments.”
Why was Satluj removed from Indian streaming?
ZEE5 has not provided a specific reason for the sudden withdrawal beyond citing “current developments.” In an official statement posted to Instagram on July 5, the platform emphasized its commitment to the film’s “creative vision” while confirming its removal from the Indian catalogue. The film, directed by Honey Trehan, chronicles the work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed thousands of illegal cremations and enforced disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s. Khalra himself disappeared in 1995 after being taken into police custody.
The film has undergone three title changes during its journey to the screen. It was initially titled Ghallughara, a term referencing historic massacres of Sikhs, then Punjab ’95, and finally Satluj, named after the river that flows through the region.
How does the film’s release history compare to other content?
The removal of Satluj has drawn public comparisons to other politically charged films that remain available on the ZEE5 platform. Titles such as The Kashmir Files (2022), The Kerala Story (2023), and The Bengal Files (2025) continue to stream on the service. These films have been characterized by various political commentators as aligning with Hindu nationalist narratives. In contrast, The Kerala Story was required by court order to carry disclaimers regarding its factual accuracy, yet it remains hosted on the platform.
This situation follows a broader pattern of content restriction. As documented by Forbes, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting previously denied screening permission for 19 films at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala. The denied list included the 1925 classic Battleship Potemkin and the UK’s Oscar submission Santosh.
What has the production team said about the release?
Diljit Dosanjh, who portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra, addressed the release during an Instagram Live session. He confirmed that the version currently streaming on ZEE5 Global is uncut, stating, “The version I watched in theatres two years ago is exactly the same one I watched at home last week.” Dosanjh also noted the emotional toll of the role, telling Variety India that he required a week off to process the experience of filming the project.
The film faced a lengthy certification battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) beginning in 2022. The board initially requested 127 cuts to the production. The project was subsequently withdrawn from the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) amid reports of political pressure.
To track the latest updates on regional cinema censorship and streaming availability, bookmark official press releases from the production companies involved, such as RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Satluj?
As of July 2025, Satluj remains available for viewers outside of India on ZEE5 Global. It has been removed from the Indian domestic catalogue.
Were there edits made to the film for its release?
According to Diljit Dosanjh, the film is streaming in its original, uncut form. While the title was changed from Punjab ’95 to Satluj, the content remains identical to the version screened for producers and cast members two years ago.
Who directed Satluj?
The film was directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP in association with MacGuffin Pictures.
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