Satluj OTT controversy: Diljit Dosanjh film removed from ZEE5 Internationally

A few days after being taken off ZEE5 in India, Satluj, earlier known as Punjab 95, has now also been removed from the platform's international catalogue. The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer had finally started streaming on ZEE5 last Friday after facing almost four years of delays linked to censorship. However, the film was removed in India within two days following government instructions. It remained available in other countries for a short time before disappearing from the platform there as well.

Filmmaker Honey Trehan confirmed the international removal when asked about it, giving a brief reply: "Yes."

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Social media users notice the removal

The latest development quickly caught the attention of viewers on X and Reddit. Several users posted that Satluj was no longer available to watch on ZEE5 outside India.

One Reddit user wrote that the post was meant to point out that attempts to remove the film had continued beyond India. The user added that although the movie could still be found through other methods, the concern was that it had been taken off the official streaming platform in international markets too.

Many users also shared their opinions in the comments. One person said the repeated removal of the film had only created more curiosity, adding that several non-Punjabi friends became interested in watching it only after hearing about the controversy.

Government's reason for the takedown

After removing the film in India, ZEE5 released a statement saying that Satluj would remain unavailable until further notice while it explored legal options to restore the film.

According to PTI, government officials said the film was originally submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under the title Punjab 95. The board reportedly suggested 127 changes, but the filmmakers chose not to accept them.

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Officials stated that the makers later released the film directly on ZEE5 with a new title without completing the required certification process. The government said the release did not meet regulatory requirements and asked the platform to remove it from India due to security concerns.

About Satluj

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, played by Diljit Dosanjh. The film remained delayed for years because the makers refused to make the extensive changes suggested by the CBFC before finally opting for an OTT release.

- PTC PUNJABI