Diljit’s film was removed from the OTT platform.
Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj, which was released on OTT platform ZEE5 by changing the name Punjab 95, was suddenly removed from the platform after two days. On this, Diljit says that whatever happened with the film, the same happened with Khalda Saheb.
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At the same time, OTT platform ZEE5 says that considering the current circumstances, ‘Sutlej’ will not be available till further orders. We are committed to exploring every appropriate option under the legal process, so that the film can be made available to audiences again as soon as possible. Politics has also started on this.
Released three days ago
Actually, after a long struggle of three years, the film Punjab 95 was released with the name Satluj. The film ran, but suddenly it was removed. The company said, “Sutlej” received a lot of love and good response from the audience. We sincerely thank everyone who watched and supported the film.
Your love and trust means a lot to us. ZEE5 has full confidence in “Sutlej” and the team making it. We believe that good stories leave a deep impact on people. Therefore, we will continue to bring such great stories in future also. Currently, due to some circumstances, “Sutlej” will not be available on ZEE5.
We are taking all necessary legal and other efforts to bring it back as soon as possible. We will always stand strong with good and true stories.
The film cannot be silenced like this
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal said that I am shocked and saddened by the news of sudden removal of Satluj from ZEE5 in India. This powerful film, which brings out the painful history of Punjab and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Sardar Jaswant Singh Ji Khalda, cannot be silenced like this.
This is not just censorship, but an attack on our collective memories, truth and freedom of expression. I strongly condemn this decision. Punjab has the right to face its past honestly, it should not be suppressed.
Shiromani Akali Dal has expressed objection to the removal of the film.
Know the journey of the film so far in four points
1. Most of the shooting took place in Punjab
2022 Announced the making of a film. The initial name of the film was ‘Ghallughara’, which means ‘massacre’. The shooting of the film was completed in various parts of Punjab, especially Amritsar. Actor Diljit changed his look and physical appearance to play the role of Jaswant Singh Khalda.
2. Suggestion to change the name before getting approval
In the year 2023, when the film was sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for approval, the board objected to the title of the film and suggested several changes and cuts. After this the name of the film was changed to ‘Punjab 95’.
3. Much appreciated in the film festival
In 2023, the film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where its story and Diljit Dosanjh’s acting received international praise.
4. Asked to make 127 cuts
According to media reports, CBFC suggested 127 cuts and many changes in the film. These also included demands for changes in some historical references, places and names of characters. However, CBFC did not publicly release detailed official details of all these proposed changes. The film could not be released in Indian theaters due to lack of censor approval in India. After this, it was released in select countries on 7 February 2025.
Human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalda, on whose life the film Sutlej is based.
Information gathered by visiting cremation grounds
Khalda had exposed these disappearances and murders being carried out by the Punjab Police and administration. At that time, he visited the cremation grounds of Amritsar and gathered information that more than 6,000 bodies were secretly cremated there. He also shared this information on international forums, raising questions on India’s human rights record.
The murder took place in 1995
Khalda had to pay the price of fighting for the rights of Sikhs with his life. The family alleges that on September 6, 1995, the police kidnapped Khalda from his house. After this he was tortured and murdered in police custody.
The police did not even register an FIR in this case, after which Jaswant’s wife filed a petition in the Supreme Court. After this the court ordered CBI to investigate.