Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh addressed fans directly on Monday, 7 July 2025, via an Instagram Live session, responding to the abrupt removal of his film 'Satluj' from streaming platform ZEE5 in India — less than 48 hours after its premiere. Dosanjh struck a defiant yet composed tone, declaring the film had already reached its audience and could no longer be suppressed.

What Diljit Said

Speaking directly to viewers, Dosanjh said, "I came live on Instagram to thank people for watching Satluj. What I had feared actually happened. I thought the film would be taken down by Monday when the offices would be opened, but I had no idea that it would be banned on Sunday only." He added that anticipating the takedown, the team had deliberately skipped conventional promotional activity. "It was best to release the film (online) without any promotion," he said.

Dosanjh urged fans who had already watched and downloaded the film to share it with those who had not. "People have already downloaded the movie so now I am tension-free. No one can stop the film now," he said, underscoring the irreversibility of digital distribution once content is in circulation.

He also shared a personal highlight: "I saw a video from Rajasthan where people are watching the film in the Gurdwara; I felt very happy. Please show it to your friends and everyone around you. The film will not stop now."

Four Years in the Making

'Satluj', directed by Honey Trehan and written around the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on ZEE5 India on Friday, 4 July 2025. The film depicts Khalra's investigation into the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994, and his subsequent abduction in 1995. Dosanjh plays the lead role of Khalra.

Dosanjh noted the personal weight of the project: "I am fighting for the movie from the last four years. I am happy that the film is finally released this way." He expressed satisfaction that "today's youth is talking about Jaswant Singh Khalra" and congratulated the entire team on reaching audiences despite the circumstances.

ZEE5's Statement and Director's Response

ZEE5 confirmed the removal in a statement shared on its social media account: "In light of the current developments, 'Satluj' will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity." The platform stated it stands firmly by the film and its creative vision.

Director Honey Trehan reacted by sharing ZEE5's statement on his own social media account, adding the Punjabi phrase "Tera bhana meetha lage" — a spiritual expression of acceptance.

CBFC Controversy and Production Background

Reportedly, 'Satluj' had been stalled for an extended period after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sought 127 cuts to the film. The film has been produced by Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey, and Ronnie Screwvala under the banners MacGuffin Pictures and RSVP. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.

The film's trajectory — from a reported 127-cut CBFC demand to a surprise digital release and near-immediate takedown — has intensified public debate around censorship and the limits of OTT regulation in India. Whether ZEE5 can restore the film through legal or regulatory channels remains to be seen.