After nearly four years of navigating censorship challenges, Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj, previously titled "Panjab 95," was released on Zee5 but was abruptly
removed just two days later. On Sunday, the streaming platform announced that the film would no longer be available in India, although it expressed a commitment to explore options for its return. The film's lead actor, Diljit, had anticipated this outcome during an interaction with fans just a day before the film's removal, reflecting on the legacy of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose story the film portrays. In its statement, Zee5 informed viewers that Satluj would be unavailable until further notice due to "current developments." The platform emphasized its dedication to the film and its creators, stating, "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 statement underscored the belief that impactful storytelling can inspire and resonate with audiences. Satluj is based on the harrowing true story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was abducted and murdered by Punjab Police in 1995 after revealing the existence of 25,000 extrajudicial killings in the state. Diljit portrays Khalra in this critically acclaimed film. Following the film's removal, Diljit shared a poignant scene on social media, expressing Khalra's determination to fight against oppression, and remarked, "Panjab 95 aka Satluj is meeting the same fate as the late Khalra saab." The film faced significant hurdles prior to its release, including a demand for 120 cuts from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after its submission in 2022. A planned world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival was also canceled as the filmmakers contested the cuts. Ultimately, Satluj was released uncut on Zee5, but the controversy surrounding it persisted. During an Instagram Live session, Diljit had predicted the possibility of the film's removal, stating, "I feel it could be taken down by Monday." In Satluj, Dosanjh portrays Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab from 1984 to 1994 before his disappearance in 1995. In 2005, four Punjab Police officers were convicted for his abduction and murder, initially sentenced to seven years in prison, which was later increased to life imprisonment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The film is produced by Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey, and Ronnie Screwvala, under the banners of MacGuffin Pictures and RSVP, and features notable actors such as Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in significant roles.
