Satluj Removed From ZEE5 Over Certification Row, I&B Ministry Says

Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj has become the centre of a major controversy after the film was made unavailable on ZEE5 in India shortly after its digital release. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had previously been known as Punjab 95 and had faced a prolonged certification dispute before its OTT premiere. ZEE5 later confirmed that the title would remain unavailable in India until further notice while the platform explores appropriate avenues through due process.

According to statements attributed to officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the filmmakers had not completed the required certification process associated with the planned theatrical release. Ministry officials alleged that the film was subsequently released on an OTT platform under a changed title without resolving those issues. Reports citing the ministry also said the release raised concerns under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The controversy has triggered a wider debate involving filmmakers, political leaders and supporters of the film, with questions being raised about censorship, creative freedom and the regulation of politically sensitive historical stories on streaming platforms. Political leaders in Punjab have criticised the film’s removal and called for it to be restored for Indian audiences.

Certification Dispute Puts Satluj Release Under Spotlight

Satluj tells a story connected to human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and the events surrounding his work. The film was originally known as Punjab 95 and had been delayed for years amid certification-related disagreements before eventually arriving digitally under its new title.

The I&B Ministry’s position, as reported by ANI and other outlets, is that the earlier certification process had not been completed before the OTT release. Ministry officials further claimed that extensive changes had previously been recommended during the certification process and alleged that the makers instead changed the title before proceeding with the streaming release.

ZEE5 subsequently announced that Satluj would not be available in India until further notice. The streaming service said it remained committed to exploring available options through due process in an effort to bring the film back to viewers.

The removal sparked strong reactions across social and political circles. Several Punjab politicians criticised the development, describing the film as an important account connected with the state’s history and human rights issues. The controversy has also renewed discussions over how sensitive political and historical subjects are treated by certification and streaming regulations.

Diljit Dosanjh Reacts as Film Becomes Unavailable in India

Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy after the film became unavailable for Indian viewers. According to reports, the actor said he had anticipated the possibility of restrictions but was surprised by how quickly the title disappeared from the platform. He also expressed satisfaction that audiences had already managed to watch and discuss the film during its brief period of availability.

The film is directed by Honey Trehan and features Diljit Dosanjh in the central role. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. Satluj has drawn attention not only for its subject but also because of its years-long journey through production, certification disputes and eventual digital release. The dispute now places the future availability of Satluj in India under uncertainty. ZEE5 has not announced a date for the film’s return, while the platform has stated that it will continue exploring due-process options. Until a resolution is reached, the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer remains unavailable to viewers on ZEE5 in India.