UPDATED: ZEE5 removed “Satluj,” the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, from its Indian catalog less than two days after the film’s release on July 3, the platform said in a statement posted on Instagram. The film is still available on ZEE5 Global for audiences outside India.

The platform did not specify the reason for the removal.

“The response to ‘Satluj’ since its release has been truly overwhelming,” ZEE5 said. “We are deeply grateful to all the viewers who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support has meant a lot to us and everyone who brought this story to life. At ZEE5, we strongly support ‘Satluj’ and the creative vision behind it. We believe that a powerful narrative has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives. In light of current events, ‘Satluj’ will not be available in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film to our audiences as soon as possible. Our commitment to the creators and to stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose remains unwavering.”

The platform’s Instagram caption struck a more defiant note: “‘Satluj’ may have stopped. But the conversation it started hasn’t.”

PREVIOUSLY: “Satluj,” the Honey Trehan-directed drama inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, began streaming globally on ZEE5 Global on July 3, complete and uncut, three years after the film first ran into trouble with India’s censor board.

Produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, the social drama stars Diljit Dosanjh alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. It traces Khalra’s decades-long quest for justice for more than 25,000 people who went missing during the insurgency-era crackdown in Punjab, and the personal cost of his fight against a system determined to suppress the truth.

The project has carried three names on the way to its launch. It was originally titled “Ghallughara,” a historical term for the massacres of Sikhs in 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 cleared for 21 cuts and a mandatory title change to “Punjab ’95.” RSVP appealed that judgment before the Bombay High Court. Around the same time, the film was pulled from its planned gala premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival; a source said Variety at the time when political factors intervened in that decision.

“We couldn’t get the previous title of the film. The title now is ‘Satluj’,” Trehan said in a statement to Variety. “This is the complete film, without cuts or compromises, in its original form as we always wanted. It would not have been possible without Diljit Paji and our producers and their willingness to defend its integrity. As both Diljit Paji and I had said previously, we would not support a compromised version of the film.”

Harish Goyal, Americas Territory Head, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., added: “For South Asian audiences across North America, cinema remains an important connection to the history, realities and voices of the subcontinent. As Diljit Dosanjh brings remarkable honesty and conviction to this deeply significant role, we believe ‘Satluj’ will resonate strongly with audiences here.”

Kaveri Das, business head, Hindi content at ZEE5, said, “This is a film about courage, resilience and the fight for justice and it deserves a platform that stands behind it with conviction.”

Producer Ronnie Screwvala added: “Honey’s passion and conviction made this journey truly special and, from the beginning, we knew there was no one better than Diljit to bring this character to life with the honesty and depth it deserved.”

Dosanjh, who plays Khalra, said, “Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the main reasons why I chose to be a part of this film. I felt a strong sense of responsibility towards the film and was committed to portraying such an inspiring character with truth, honesty and utmost respect.”

Trehan previously directed the 2020 Netflix thriller “Raat Akeli Hai” and its sequel “Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders” (2025). Suvinder Vicky’s credits include the Netflix series “Kohrra” and the Cannes and Venice selections “The Fourth Direction” and “Milestone”, respectively.