After years of battling certification hurdles, title changes and repeated release delays, Dear Trehan“Satruji” starring Diljit Dosanjhhas now been removed from the streaming platform Zee5.The film hit another hurdle just 48 hours after its OTT release. The streaming platform announced in an official statement on Sunday that their film based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra has been removed from ZEE5’s Indian catalog but continues to be streamed internationally on ZEE5 Global.
ZEE5 confirms removal of ‘Satluj’ from India
On July 5, the OTT platform issued a statement and announced that Satluj would no longer be aired in India, citing “current developments”.“In light of the current developments, ‘Satluj’ will be released in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film back to audiences at the earliest,” the streaming platform wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.Thanking the audience for their support, the statement went on to read, “We are deeply grateful to every audience member who has chosen to subscribe, watch and support the film. Your love and support means a lot to us and everyone who is bringing this story to life. At ZEE5, we stand firmly behind Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe in the power of powerful storytelling to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact.”“They assured fans that they are working to release the film online, adding: “We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to get the film back into the hands of audiences at the earliest opportunity.”
What is Satluji about?
‘Satruji’ is based on the life of a human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Diljit Dosanjh stars as Khalra, whose investigation into the disappearance brought national attention to the issue before he disappeared in 1995.In 2005, four Punjab police officers were convicted of Khalra’s kidnapping and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court increased their sentences to life imprisonment.
Certification battle with CBFC and delays in theatrical releases
After years of controversy, the film has finally been released on OTT. The social drama was supposed to be released in India, but hit a roadblock in its release. central board of film certification (CBFC). According to reports, the committee recommended a total of 127 cuts before granting certification to the film. These delays ultimately forced manufacturers to postpone multiple launch plans.The film, originally titled “Punjab ’95,” was scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on February 7, 2025. However, it was never released theatrically.
From ‘Ghallughara’ to ‘Punjab’ 95′ to ‘Satluj’
The project went through several title changes before finally being released on July 3. The film was originally titled “Ghallughara”, a historic Punjabi term associated with the massacres of Sikhs in 1746, 1762 and 1984. However, when the producers applied for certification in late 2022, the CBFC reportedly approved the film with 21 cuts and also directed the producers to change the title to Punjabi. ’95’.According to reports, the manufacturer approached the Bombay High Court challenging the certification order. Around the same time, the film canceled its planned premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At the time, a source told Variety that “political considerations” played a role in the decision.Finally, the film was released digitally on July 3 under the new title “Satluj”. Explaining the latest changes, director Trehan told Variety: “We didn’t have access to the film’s previous title. The title now is ‘Satluj’. “
Dear Trehan finally releases ‘Satluj’
About the release of the film, Trehan said in a statement, “From the very beginning, our intention was to tell this story in an honest, sensitive and uncompromising way. After a long wait, the audience can finally witness our love and hard work. Satluji is more than just one man’s story, it is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Everyone associated with the film is convinced of the importance of this narrative as it draws inspiration from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh.”“Trehan added that his intention was to make the film in an honest, sensitive and uncompromising way. “After a long wait, the audience can finally witness our love and hard work. ‘Satluj’ is not just the story of one person, it is a tribute to the spiritual strength of mankind in the face of adversity.”
Diljit Dosanjh on why he chose ‘Satluj’
Ahead of its OTT release, Diljit Dosanjh described ‘Satluj’ as one of the most rewarding projects of his career. He said: “Our film Satluj is a story about faith, courage and humanity, and creating this character has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I am grateful that audiences around the world can finally watch the film on Zee5 and resonate with a story that is both deeply personal and truly worth watching for everyone.”“The actor also revealed what attracted him to the project, saying, “The martyrdom of Bhai Jaswant Singh Kala Ji and his contribution to humanity were the main reasons why I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard this script, it struck me deeply because it was rooted in the life experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful story is rare. “
Diljit predicts ‘Satluj’ OTT will be removed from shelves
Even before Satluji was removed, Diljit hinted that he believed the film’s run in India might be short-lived. During an Instagram Live session, the actor urged fans to download the movie while it’s still available. “It’s Saturday. I think it might be removed by Monday. But don’t worry, you can download it,” he said.
