Why Did ZEE5 Pull the Political Drama 'Satluj' Just Days After Its Release?

The political drama 'Satluj,' directed by Honey Trehan, faced an unexpected removal from ZEE5 just two days after its release, raising questions about freedom of speech in India. Actor Kanwaljit Singh, who plays a key role, expressed concerns over the implications of this decision and hinted at potential legal action. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, explores significant historical events in Punjab. The abrupt withdrawal has been linked to government directives citing security concerns, highlighting the complexities of digital content regulation in India. Read on to uncover the full story behind this controversial film's release and removal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 7, 2026, 13:50 IST

The Controversial Launch of 'Satluj'

Filmmaker Honey Trehan's political drama, "Satluj," premiered on ZEE5 on Friday, overcoming nearly four years of hurdles related to its release. However, just two days after its debut, the film was unexpectedly taken down from the platform, prompting widespread speculation about the reasons behind this action. Actor Kanwaljit Singh, who plays a pivotal role in the film, voiced his concerns regarding the state of free speech in India and mentioned that the filmmakers are contemplating legal measures in response to the film's removal.

In a conversation with a media outlet, Kanwaljit Singh discussed the character he portrays, which some speculate is inspired by former Punjab DGP KPS Gill. He clarified, "People are assuming that I'm playing Gill. However, the brief I followed was to study clippings of different DGPs and police chiefs. I also have a friend who is a retired DGP, with whom I discussed how the character should be." His remarks underscore the character's complexity and the broader themes the film aims to address.

On the topic of the film's sudden removal from ZEE5, Singh remarked, "I spoke to Honey after the film was taken down, and he said they shall be taking the matter to court. But what I don't understand is why they had to take it off. Even people who weren't going to watch it will want to watch it now." He pointed out the irony that the film's removal might actually boost its viewership, while also raising concerns about the implications for freedom of expression in the nation.

"Satluj" tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a bank clerk who emerged as a notable human rights advocate in the mid-1990s after investigating the alleged cremation of around 25,000 unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. The narrative follows the events leading to Khalra's abduction in 1995, with four Punjab Police officers later convicted of his murder in 2005. Initially titled "Punjab 95," the film features Diljit Dosanjh as Khalra, alongside a talented supporting cast that includes Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky.

The abrupt removal of "Satluj" from ZEE5 has been linked to a directive from the Indian government, citing "security concerns" and adherence to the Information Technology Rules, 2021. Reports suggest that the filmmakers had sought certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under its original title but encountered delays due to unaddressed cuts recommended by the board. A government official commented, "They kept sitting on the suggested cuts and eventually released the movie quietly on OTT with a new title," highlighting the challenges surrounding the film's release and the regulatory landscape for digital content in India.