Diljit Dosanjh Responds to ‘Satluj’ Removal from ZEE5
Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has spoken out for the first time following the removal of his latest film, Satluj, from ZEE5 in India, just two days after its debut. While he didn’t dive into the details of the issue, he made a poignant social media post about the film’s unexpected withdrawal.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, 2026. However, the streaming platform announced on the evening of July 5 that the film would no longer be available to viewers in India due to “current developments.”
Diljit’s Initial Reaction
On Instagram, Diljit shared a still from Satluj with an inspiring message: “I challenge the darkness.” In Punjabi, he connected the film’s fate to the story of human rights activist Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose life inspired the film.
During a live session with fans, Diljit openly discussed the film’s removal, sharing that he had anticipated such a response. “I expected this situation, but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly,” he explained. He mentioned that the uncertainty led the team to limit their promotional efforts, fearing it might impact the release.
Despite the brief availability, Diljit expressed his joy that viewers had managed to watch the film. “I’m happy that our work has reached people,” he said, noting that audiences have even taken to screening it at local Gurudwaras. He emphasized the importance of digital access, stating, “Once something is online, it’s never really gone.”
Reflecting on the journey of making Satluj, he shared that the project took nearly seven years to complete, filled with many challenges along the way. He remained optimistic about the film’s future, saying, “Maybe there will be another chance to continue the fight for our work.”
ZEE5’s Official Statement
In a statement regarding the film’s removal, ZEE5 confirmed that Satluj would be unavailable in India until further notice. The platform expressed its commitment to bring the film back to audiences as soon as possible and thanked viewers for their support during its short release.
In its message, ZEE5 stated, “We appreciate every viewer who chose to watch and support the film. Powerful storytelling can inspire and make a lasting impact.”
About the Film’s Controversy
Satluj portrays the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who brought attention to the alleged extrajudicial killing of Sikh youths during the 1990s in Punjab. The film faced years of controversies before its release, including demands from the Central Board of Film Certification for numerous cuts.
Despite these challenges, Diljit and the team took pride in bringing this important story to life, highlighting the persistent struggles faced in the film industry.
