Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has once again become the center of national attention after being removed from ZEE5 in India roughly 48 hours after its release on July 3, 2026. The film, originally titled Punjab ’95, is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Reports suggest the streaming platform withdrew the film over security concerns, though no detailed public explanation has been issued, leaving audiences questioning why the long-delayed release disappeared so quickly.
A Three Year Certification Battle
The film’s journey to release was marked by prolonged scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to the filmmakers, the board recommended 127 cuts before certification. The makers reportedly declined to make such extensive changes, arguing that the edits would significantly alter the film’s narrative and historical context.
As a result, the project remained stalled for nearly three years, becoming one of the most closely watched certification disputes in recent Indian cinema.
Controversy Before Release
Public debate intensified as soon as the trailer was unveiled. Some social media users labeled the film as propaganda, while others defended it as a dramatization inspired by documented events surrounding Khalra’s work. The differing viewpoints fueled widespread discussion well before the film reached viewers, making it one of the year’s most controversial releases.
Questions That Remain
Although Satluj eventually premiered under a new title and without reported cuts, its swift removal has only deepened public interest. The episode has reignited discussions about censorship, artistic freedom, platform responsibility, and the challenges of portraying sensitive historical subjects on screen.
Until an official explanation is provided, the film’s brief availability is likely to remain as significant as the story it sought to tell, ensuring that the conversation around Satluj continues long after its disappearance from streaming.