The Indian government has instructed the streaming service ZEE5 to remove the film Satluj from its platform in India less than two days after its debut. The movie stars actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh and depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Satluj chronicles Khalra’s efforts to expose extrajudicial killings and mass cremations of Sikhs during Punjab’s counter-insurgency operations in the 1980s and 1990s. In a significant development, the government invoked the Information Technology Rules, 2021, citing concerns over security and the potential impact of the film on the state’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh addressed the situation via social media and an Instagram Live session from the United States. He revealed that the team anticipated such a response and deliberately refrained from promoting the film to ensure it reached audiences. He also noted that unauthorized copies of the movie had begun circulating online.
ZEE5 urged viewers to avoid piracy as it considers its next steps. The film remains accessible outside India through ZEE5 Global.
The movie’s release followed a prolonged three-year review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), during which it was known by earlier titles such as Ghallughara and Punjab ’95. The CBFC demanded 127 edits, including the removal of Khalra’s name, but the filmmakers ultimately released the film digitally without any cuts.
Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted and allegedly killed by Punjab Police in 1995 after uncovering evidence of over 25,000 illegal cremations. Subsequent court rulings convicted police officials involved in his murder. This controversy has reignited debate about how cinema portrays sensitive historical events from that era.
