Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday strongly condemned the removal of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's long-delayed film 'Satluj' from the streaming platform ZEE5, asserting that Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty rather than suppression.
Film Removed Two Days After Release
The film, originally titled 'Punjab 95', was released in India on ZEE5 on Friday, July 3, 2026. However, it became unavailable on the platform just two days later, on Sunday, July 5, without any prior notice. ZEE5 issued a statement saying the film would be unavailable in India until further notice, citing 'current developments' and pledging to explore avenues to bring it back.
Badal expressed shock and sadness over what he called an 'arbitrary removal' of the film. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: 'This is not mere censorship, it is an assault on our collective memory, truth, and freedom of expression.' He added, 'A powerful film that courageously unveils Punjab's painful history and honours the supreme sacrifice of S. Jaswant Singh Ji Khalra cannot be silenced this way.'
Film Based on Human Rights Activist Jaswant Singh Khalra
'Satluj' is directed by Honey Trehan and features Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra himself disappeared in 1995. In 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for his abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their sentence to life imprisonment.
The film had been stuck in censorship for over three years. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had reportedly demanded 127 cuts, causing repeated delays in its release. Initially, the movie was scheduled for a worldwide release on February 7, 2025, without cuts except in India, but that release did not materialize.
Previous Controversies and OTT Release
In 2023, the film was slated for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) but was removed from the line-up without any official explanation. The makers eventually opted for a direct OTT release on ZEE5, bypassing theatrical release due to censorship hurdles. The film was released without any cuts on the platform, but its sudden removal has sparked a political and cultural debate.
Badal's criticism highlights the broader issue of censorship and historical memory in Punjab. 'Punjab deserves to confront its past with honesty, not suppression,' he reiterated in his post, tagging the official accounts of ZEE5 and the film's team.
Impact and Reactions
The removal has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders, artists, and human rights activists, who view it as an attempt to suppress a painful chapter of Punjab's history. Many have called for the film's reinstatement, arguing that it sheds light on an important human rights issue. ZEE5 has not specified the reasons for the removal, leaving room for speculation about possible legal or political pressures.
As of now, 'Satluj' remains unavailable in India, and no timeline has been provided for its return. The incident has reignited conversations about freedom of expression and the role of OTT platforms in navigating sensitive historical narratives.
