Diljit Dosanjh starrer troubled film Satluj has seemingly hit another major roadblock after fresh developments surrounding its streaming.
Satluj, which had until now remained available overseas, has allegedly also been removed from ZEE5’s international catalogue, after a review committee appointed by the Centre reportedly recommended that restrictions on the film should continue. Satluj, which was previously titled Punjab 95, first premiered on the OTT platform on July 3, after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded extensive cuts for a theatrical release. This led to the filmmakers dropping the uncut version directly on ZEE5. But after nearly four years of censorship-related delays, the movie was removed in India less than 48 hours later on government directions.
Netizens flag Satluj’s removal from ZEE5 internationally
‘s removal from ZEE5 International was first noted by netizens on social media. One X user wrote, “So it’s been removed internationally as well.” Reddit users also claimed that the film was no longer available outside India. A post read, “efforts to censor and remove the film are still ongoing.” Another one wrote, “Satluj has now been removed from Zee5 internationally as well. As the title says, Satluj is no longer available on Zee5 outside of India.”
Though many claimed that Satluj was still available “via other platforms/methods.” Director Honey Trehan confirmed the removal to The Indian Express.
Review committee’s findings and reported recommendations
On July 11, it was reported that the panel found the earlier action taken against Satluj as justified and cited concerns related to India’s sovereignty, integrity and national security. Though ZEE5 and the makers have not reacted to the reports of the change, if true, it hints at a possibility of the film’s distribution plans being affected beyond India.
Although the review committee’s findings have not been published in full, the reported recommendation suggests that officials do not believe there are enough reasons at this point to relax current restrictions. The development has also further muddied the waters on the future of the movie.
Satluj removed in India within 48 hours of release
Until now, Satluj, despite not being available in India, was streaming in many countries abroad, including the US, Canada and Australia. Pirated copies of the movie had also surfaced online and were being widely shared. NDTV recently reported that Satluj boosted ZEE5’s international traffic, as monthly downloads of the app outside India allegedly rose by approximately 374 per cent after the film’s release.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is inspired by the life of Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. It has been one of the most anticipated projects in the Diljit Dosanjh lineup. The actor, who has a huge fan following both in India and abroad, has been juggling between Punjabi films and Hindi cinema along with international projects for sometime now.