Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj On Piracy Websites After ZEE5 Pulls Film? Here's What We Know

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controversy surrounding Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has intensified after alleged pirated copies of the film surfaced online shortly after it was removed from ZEE5 in India. The biographical drama premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, but was withdrawn from its Indian catalogue within 48 hours.It was officially stated that the film had been taken down “until further notice.” As per a report on NDTV, soon after the announcement, social media users claimed that Satluj had appeared on several piracy websites. Screenshots showing the film listed in HD quality circulated widely on X and other platforms, with some users also sharing links to illegal streaming and download sites.

The unauthorised circulation of the film has renewed concerns over digital piracy, particularly as viewers who were unable to watch the film legally before its removal reportedly began seeking out pirated versions online.The report further stated that several users on social media urged others not to share or circulate pirated copies, arguing that such actions could cause financial losses to the filmmakers and undermine the efforts of the cast and crew. Others pointed out that the film may still return to an official platform, making it important for audiences to support legitimate distribution channels.

Why Satluj was removed from ZEE5

Satluj is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. According to reports, concerns were raised that certain portions of the biopic could be misused by anti-India elements, leading to its removal from the platform. In its statement, ZEE5 said it continues to support the film’s creative vision and is exploring all available legal avenues to restore it for viewers at the earliest.The project has faced a turbulent path to release. Originally titled Punjab ’95, the film became embroiled in a prolonged certification dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification after it was submitted in 2022. The CBFC reportedly sought 127 cuts and requested a title change.The filmmakers challenged the board’s decision in the Bombay High Court before later withdrawing the case. The film was also pulled from its scheduled premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.After spending nearly three years in limbo, the makers opted for a direct-to-digital release on ZEE5 under the new title Satluj. Director Honey Trehan had stated that the version released on the platform was the complete film, presented “in its original form as we always intended.”

Before the film’s removal, Dosanjh had acknowledged during a live social media interaction that there were concerns it might be taken down. “There was a fear that it could be removed. I think you might have downloaded the movie by now. So, now there is no fear,” he had remarked.Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal in a key role.

Digital piracy and Indian law

In India, digital piracy is prohibited under multiple laws, including the Copyright Act, 1957, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and certain provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Under the Copyright Act, sharing, uploading, distributing, or making a copyrighted film available online without permission from the rights holders is illegal. This includes posting full films on social media platforms or sharing links to pirated copies hosted on unauthorised websites.The law primarily targets individuals or entities involved in uploading, distributing, or facilitating the illegal circulation of copyrighted content. Conviction for copyright infringement can attract imprisonment ranging from six months to three years and fines between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh, depending on the circumstances of the case.