Diljit Dosanjh Speaks Out on Sudden Removal of 'Satluj' from ZEE5: What Happened?
Diljit Dosanjh Discusses 'Satluj' Removal
Actor Diljit Dosanjh has opened up about the unexpected withdrawal of his film 'Satluj' from ZEE5 India, just two days post its launch. During a live interaction with fans on Monday, he shared that the film's team had foreseen this outcome, which led them to limit promotional efforts. Their main goal was to ensure that the narrative of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra reached viewers, even if for a short time. He stated, "You can trouble me as much as you want. I am with Punjab till the day I die," underlining his dedication to the cause.
'Satluj', a biographical film focused on Khalra's life, debuted on ZEE5 on July 3 after facing nearly four years of censorship hurdles under its original title, 'Punjab '95'. However, its availability in India was short-lived, as it was discreetly taken down from the platform on July 5. Reflecting on the film's release, Diljit remarked, "This was expected from day one... If we had announced the release and promoted it two days prior, it wouldn't have been released at all." He expressed disappointment over the film's rapid removal, which he had anticipated might happen once offices reopened after the weekend.
Despite the film's brief presence, Diljit feels it fulfilled its purpose. He expressed contentment that audiences engaged with the film, noting that it had ignited discussions among the youth. "I saw a video... where the film is being screened inside a Gurdwara Sahib. So now I am satisfied that the film has reached you," he said, emphasizing the significance of the film's message. He also acknowledged the hurdles faced during production, revealing that it took 1.5 years to commence filming and an additional four years to overcome censorship challenges.
In his livestream, Diljit encouraged viewers to keep the film's spirit alive by sharing it with others. "Now you can share it among yourselves, it’s your film," he urged, stressing that once something is online, it becomes hard to erase. He expressed hope that the film would continue to circulate, allowing more individuals to experience its story. "Many people have already downloaded it. Once anything lands online, it never gets deleted," he reflected on the film's journey and its importance.
The controversy surrounding 'Satluj' began well before its release, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) initially demanding 127 cuts, including sensitive references to actual locations and alleged extrajudicial killings. The version that briefly streamed on ZEE5 was uncut and had the support of Khalra's family. Following the film's removal, ZEE5 released a statement thanking viewers for their overwhelming response and reaffirming its commitment to bringing the film back to Indian audiences. While 'Satluj' is no longer accessible in India, it remains available on ZEE5 Global for international viewers, leaving many eager for updates from the platform.