Diljit Dosanjh has finally broken his silence on the controversial takedown of his film Satluj from the streaming platform Zee5. The Punjabi singer-actor revealed that he deliberately avoided promotional activities for the film, anticipating a potential ban, but was confident that the removal would not be permanent.
Why Satluj Was Taken Down
Released on Zee5 on June 25, 2026, Satluj was removed from the platform just days later following complaints about its depiction of certain religious and social themes. The film, which explores the lives of farmers in Punjab, was accused of hurting religious sentiments. Zee5 issued a statement saying the takedown was a precautionary measure pending a review.
Diljit's Calculated Silence
In an interview with a leading daily, Diljit said, “We skipped promotions to escape a ban, but we knew it wouldn’t stay long. The film is about truth, and truth always prevails.” He added that the team had decided to lay low initially to avoid drawing unnecessary attention, but they were prepared for the backlash. “We had faith in the content and the audience,” he said.
Legal and Public Response
Following the takedown, the film’s producers approached the Bombay High Court, which directed Zee5 to restore the film. The court observed that the platform could not unilaterally remove content without a proper hearing. Zee5 complied and Satluj was back online on July 3, 2026.
Impact on Streaming Policies
The incident has sparked a debate on censorship and the power of streaming platforms. Legal experts say the case sets a precedent for how OTT platforms handle contentious content. “Platforms must have clear guidelines and not bow to pressure without due process,” said media lawyer Aarti Singh.
Diljit's Upcoming Projects
Meanwhile, Diljit is gearing up for the release of his next film, Panjab 1984, scheduled for later this year. He is also set to embark on a world tour in August 2026.
