Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his latest film, 'Satluj' (originally titled 'Punjab 95'), which was removed from ZEE5 India just two days after its release. While not directly referencing the ban, Dosanjh shared a powerful message hinting at his reaction and the film's unexpected fate. This comes after the Honey Trehan-directed film, which bypassed a theatrical release, premiered on July 3, 2026, only to be withdrawn on July 5 citing "current developments."
Diljit's Powerful First Reaction
Diljit Dosanjh took to Instagram, sharing a still from 'Satluj' with a cryptic yet strong caption: "I challenge the darkness." He further added a Punjabi message drawing a poignant parallel between the film's removal and the life of Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist whose story inspired the movie. Dosanjh stated, "The same thing that happened to Satluj also happened to Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra."
Anticipated Ban & Strategic Release
During a live interaction with fans, Diljit revealed he had anticipated the film's removal. "What I had already expected is exactly what happened. I thought the film might get banned when offices will open on Monday, but I didn't know it would happen as early as Sunday evening," he shared. He explained that the team deliberately avoided an extensive marketing campaign, fearing it could jeopardize the initial release. Despite the ban, Diljit expressed satisfaction that audiences managed to watch and download the film, highlighting screenings at Gurudwara Sahibs. He also emphasized the enduring nature of digital content: "Once something is on the internet, I don't think it can ever truly be deleted."
Years of Effort Behind 'Satluj'
Bringing 'Satluj' to fruition was a long and arduous journey for the team, spanning nearly six to seven years and overcoming numerous obstacles. Diljit noted, "We've been fighting for four years. Who knows, maybe it'll come back again if we get another chance to continue the fight. But I'm content that the movie is finally out."
ZEE5's Official Statement
ZEE5 confirmed the withdrawal of 'Satluj' from its Indian library, stating it would be unavailable "until further notice." The platform expressed commitment to explore avenues for its return and thanked viewers for their overwhelming support during the brief availability. ZEE5 affirmed its stance, "We stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure, and leave a lasting impact."
The Controversy Surrounding 'Satluj'
'Satluj' is based on the impactful life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who exposed alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal mass cremations of thousands of Sikh youths during the Punjab militancy era in the 1990s. Khalra mysteriously disappeared in 1995. The film faced significant hurdles even before its release, with reports indicating that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded over 120 cuts, including removing references to Punjab, the Punjab Police, and altering the protagonist's identity.
