Satluj removed from ZEE5: Harbhajan Singh, Gul Panag and other celebrities support Diljit Dosanjh's film

The film Satluj (earlier titled Punjab 95), which had already faced years of delays due to a censorship controversy, has been removed from ZEE5 just three days after its OTT release. The sudden takedown has triggered widespread criticism from actors, filmmakers, and public figures, many of whom have questioned the decision and the lack of an official explanation.

Amid the controversy, the film's lead actor Diljit Dosanjh appealed to fans to actively pirate and share the film as much as possible. Following its removal from ZEE5, the film has reportedly been released on a private YouTube channel, where it is attracting a significant number of viewers.

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh also watched the film and praised it, while several celebrities have publicly voiced their opposition to its removal.

Ranvir Shorey Condemns the Film's Removal

Actor Ranvir Shorey expressed disappointment over the removal of Satluj, writing:

"Extremely disappointed to hear the news of 'Satlaj' being removed. I had been waiting for this film for a long time. In a country whose ancient tradition and heritage have been to learn from stories, it is beyond comprehension why we are repeatedly promoting a culture of suppressing and hiding stories."

Utterly disappointing to hear ‘Satluj’ had been pulled! Have been waiting to watch it! For a land that has an ancient history and heritage of learning from stories, I don’t know why we keep emboldening a culture of burying them. https://t.co/aee90o6pLT

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 5, 2026

Gul Panag Says Banning Films Is Never the Answer

Actor Gul Panag also weighed in on the controversy, arguing that India should not shy away from confronting difficult chapters of its history. In a strongly worded post on X, she said films can and should be debated, but banning them is never the answer.

I grew up in Punjab during the brutal years of militancy. I remember reading newspaper headlines about buses being stopped and innocent passengers being pulled out and killed. I also remember accounts of young men being picked up, detained and tortured, despite having nothing to…

— Gul Panag (@GulPanag) July 7, 2026

Her comments came days after Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh and inspired by the life of Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was pulled from ZEE5 in India less than 48 hours after its release.

Harbhajan Singh Calls Satluj a Must-Watch

Former cricketer and MP Harbhajan Singh reviewed Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj, calling it a must-watch and saying, “Truth cannot remain buried forever”.

Taking to his X account, he penned:

"Jallianwala Bagh stands as one of history's greatest massacres. It was carried out by a colonial regime. But the question that haunts me after watching Jaswant Singh Khalra is different: When those entrusted to protect their own people are accused of becoming the source of their greatest fear."

Jallianwala Bagh stands as one of history’s greatest massacres. It was carried out by a colonial regime. But the question that haunts me after watching Jaswant Singh Khalra is different:What is more painful than oppression by an outsider? When those entrusted to protect their… pic.twitter.com/zb71vPhKss

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 5, 2026

Harbhajan went on to say:

"Khalra's courage exposed evidence of alleged illegal disappearances and secret cremations, reminding us that the abuse of state power can leave wounds that last for generations. Punjab's mothers are still waiting for answers. Truth cannot remain buried forever."

Anmol Jamwal Shares Post Criticising the Takedown

Anmol Jamwal also reacted to the controversy by reposting an X post that read:

"Satluj is NOT available anymore on ZEE5! Those who saw it in 24 hours: know how powerful it was! Censorship in such a way is deeply problematic! Movies across the political spectrum should exist: it should be the prerogative of the audience to accept or reject a film!"

#Satluj is NOT available anymore on ZEE5!Those who saw it in 24 hours: know how powerful it was!Censorship in such a way is deeply problematic! Movies across the political spectrum should exist: it should be the prerogative of the audience to accept or reject a film!

— ANMOL JAMWAL (@jammypants4) July 5, 2026

Why Was Satluj Removed From ZEE5?

After remaining unreleased for nearly four years, Satluj quietly premiered on ZEE5 on July 3. However, the film was taken down from the streaming platform in India less than 48 hours later, with reports claiming that the Centre directed ZEE5 to remove it over "security concerns" and obligations under the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

According to PTI, the makers had originally submitted the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under its original title, Punjab 95. The certification process stalled after they declined to implement the 127 cuts suggested by the board.

Director Honey Trehan said he still does not know who objected to the film during its prolonged certification battle.

Following the takedown, co-producer Ronnie Screwvala's RSVP Movies confirmed that the government had directed the film's removal from ZEE5 while expressing hope that it would return to the platform soon.

Actor Kanwaljit Singh also criticised the move, questioning the state of freedom of speech in the country and revealing that the makers are planning to move court over the decision.

- PTC PUNJABI