Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj Taken Down From ZEE5 India

Mumbai: Diljit Dosanjh starrer ‘Satluj’ has been removed from ZEE5 India until further notice and the streaming platform stated that it is exploring options to bring the film back to audiences in the country. The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who disappeared in 1995. Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, ‘Satluj’ also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. In an official statement, ZEE5 said that it appreciated the response to the film and thanked the viewers for their support.

The platform wrote in the post: “The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who has chosen to subscribe, watch and support the film. Your love and support means so much to us and everyone who brings this story to life.” “At ZEE5, we stand behind Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe that powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We are committed to supporting authentic and meaningful narratives,” he added. Announcing the removal, the streamer said: “In light of current developments, Satluj will not be available in India until further notice. We are determined to explore any means necessary through the legal process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.” ZEE5 reiterated its commitment to filmmakers and creative expression, stating that it “remains unwavering in telling stories with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose.”

“Our commitment to creators and to stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose remains unwavering.”

The project carried three names on its way to publication. Originally the film was titled “Ghallughara”; this was a historical term referring to the Sikh massacres of 1746, 1762 and 1984. When RSVP applied for certification from India’s Central Board of Film Certification in late 2022, the six-month process ended with the film being approved for 21 cuts and the obligatory title change to ‘Punjab ’95,’ according to Variety. RSVP challenged this decision in the Bombay High Court. Around the same time, the film was withdrawn from its planned premiere premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival; A source told Variety at the time that political factors played a role in the decision. In his statement to Variety, Trehan said, “We could not get the previous name of the film. Now its name is ‘Satluj’.”