Diljit Dosanjh's highly anticipated film, 'Satluj', has been abruptly removed from the streaming platform Zee5 in India, just two days after its release. The film, which chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had only premiered on July 3rd after a protracted three-year struggle with India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Zee5 issued a statement describing the removal as a "pause" due to "current developments," without specifying any legal directives or directly linking it to the previous censorship dispute. The platform reiterated its support for the film's creative vision.
The Story Behind 'Satluj'
Originally titled 'Punjab '95', 'Satluj' is based on the impactful work of Jaswant Singh Khalra. In the early 1990s, Khalra meticulously documented evidence that thousands of individuals who disappeared during the Punjab militancy era were secretly cremated by police without their families' knowledge. His investigations brought international attention to alleged human rights abuses. Khalra himself was abducted in 1995 and later murdered, with several police officials eventually convicted in connection with his death. Diljit Dosanjh portrays Khalra in the film, directed by Honey Trehan.
A Three-Year Battle with Censors
The film's journey to release was fraught with challenges. When the filmmakers initially sought theatrical certification, the CBFC reportedly demanded an unprecedented 127 cuts. Director Honey Trehan revealed that among the most contentious demands was the complete removal of Jaswant Singh Khalra's name from the film. Trehan publicly criticized the board, stating, "Our work is our freedom of speech." He also condemned the demand to erase Khalra's identity, likening it to a second abduction of the martyr. The makers refused to comply with the extensive cuts, leading to the film's three-year delay.
Direct-to-OTT Release and Rapid Takedown
To bypass the ongoing censorship hurdles, 'Satluj' opted for a direct-to-OTT release on Zee5, launching uncut on July 3rd. The film was met with immediate critical acclaim and strong audience support, quickly becoming a focal point in discussions about artistic freedom and censorship. Diljit Dosanjh himself had expressed concerns about the film's longevity on the platform during an Instagram Live session after its release, even advising fans to download it, anticipating a potential takedown by July 5th – a prediction that unfortunately came true.
Zee5's Stance and Future Prospects
In its statement, Zee5 acknowledged the "overwhelming" response to 'Satluj' and thanked viewers for their support. The platform affirmed its commitment to the film and its "authentic and meaningful narratives." Regarding the removal, Zee5 stated, "In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity." The specific reasons for the takedown beyond "current developments" remain undisclosed by the streaming service.