A video of Diljit Dosanjh forecasting the removal of the film Satluj from ZEE5 in India has spread widely online amid ongoing disputes over its availability.
The movie portrays human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who revealed claims of mass cremations and unlawful deaths in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s.
Khalra was seized, mistreated and killed by Punjab Police officers in 1995 after documenting around 25,000 alleged illegal deaths.
First submitted as Panjab 95 in 2022, the project encountered extended censorship issues with the Central Board of Film Certification, which sought about 120 edits.
Its planned debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival was withdrawn after the team contested the changes.
The film appeared on ZEE5 on July 3, 2026, yet the platform announced its withdrawal from Indian access two days later.
The statement noted that Satluj would stay unavailable in India pending further review while pledging to pursue legal options for its return and thanking viewers for their support.
In a prior Instagram session, Dosanjh discussed worries about a possible ban, remarking in Punjabi that the film might leave the service soon but that downloads would likely occur beforehand, expressing calm about the situation.
After the exit, he posted a message alluding to Khalra’s determination, stating he challenges the darkness and noting the film faces a fate similar to the activist.
Khalra’s inquiries into unidentified remains and reported state violations resulted in a major court case. Four officers were convicted in 2005 for his abduction and killing, receiving seven-year terms later increased to life sentences.
Satluj was directed by Honey Trehan and produced by MacGuffin Pictures, RSVP Movies, Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwvala.
