Diljit Dosanjh has addressed the unexpected removal of his film Satluj from ZEE5 India, just two days after its release. During a live session with fans
on Monday, the actor revealed that the film's team had anticipated this outcome, which influenced their decision to forgo promotional activities. The primary aim was to ensure that the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra reached audiences, even if only briefly. "You can trouble me as much as you want. I am with Punjab till the day I die," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the cause. Satluj, a biographical drama centered on Khalra's life, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after enduring nearly four years of censorship challenges under its original title, Punjab '95. However, the film's availability in India was short-lived, as it was quietly removed from the platform on July 5. Reflecting on the film's release, Diljit noted, "This was expected from day one... If we had announced the release and promoted it two days prior, it wouldn't have been released at all." He expressed disappointment over the film's swift removal, which he had suspected might occur once offices reopened after the weekend. Despite the film's limited run, Diljit believes it achieved its purpose. He expressed satisfaction that audiences had engaged with the film, sharing that it had sparked conversations among the youth. "I saw a video... where the film is being screened inside a Gurdwara Sahib. So now I am satisfied that the film has reached you," he remarked, highlighting the importance of the film's message. He also acknowledged the challenges faced during production, stating that it took 1.5 years to start filming and an additional four years to navigate censorship issues. In his livestream, Diljit urged viewers to keep the film alive by sharing it with others. "Now you can share it among yourselves, it’s your film," he encouraged, emphasizing that once something is online, it becomes difficult to erase. He expressed hope that the film would continue to circulate, allowing more people to experience its narrative. "Many people have already downloaded it. Once anything lands online, it never gets deleted," he added, reflecting on the film's journey and its significance. The controversy surrounding Satluj began long before its release, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) initially requesting 127 cuts, including sensitive references to real locations and alleged extrajudicial killings. The version that briefly streamed on ZEE5 was uncut and supported by Khalra's family. Following the film's removal, ZEE5 issued a statement expressing gratitude for the overwhelming response and reaffirming its commitment to bringing the film back to Indian audiences. While Satluj is no longer available in India, it continues to stream on ZEE5 Global for international viewers, leaving many to await further developments from the platform.
