Diljit Dosanjh Satluj Removed From ZEE5 Worldwide

Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj, earlier titled Punjab 95, was pulled from ZEE5 internationally days after its India takedown. Released last Friday after a 4-year censorship battle, it was removed in India within 48 hours on government orders. Director Honey Trehan confirmed the global removal to SCREEN.

Social media reacted quickly to the delisting. On X and Reddit, users noted Satluj vanished from ZEE5 outside India too. One post said efforts to censor continue despite OTT availability elsewhere. The move reignited debate on digital freedom and film censorship across borders.

A PTI report said makers submitted Punjab 95 to CBFC in 2022 but rejected 127 suggested cuts. They later opted for direct OTT release. Officials cited “security concerns” and said OTT must follow norms if theatrical release is planned. The film remains contentious.

Satluj depicts Punjab’s 1980s-1990s counter-insurgency era. It follows human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged illegal cremations before his disappearance. Alongside Dosanjh, it stars Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. The drama highlights disappearances and extrajudicial killings during Khalistani militancy.

- Veda