Key facts
- The film "Satluj," starring Diljit Dosanjh and inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was released on ZEE5 on Friday.
- Two days later, ZEE5 removed the film from its platform in India, citing "current developments."
- The film's producer, RSVP Movies, indicated the removal was due to government orders.
- Diljit Dosanjh stated he had anticipated the film's removal but not so soon.
- The film, completed in 2022, faced prior disputes with India's film certification board, leading to its bypass of a theatrical release.
- ZEE5 stated it stood by the film's creative vision and hoped to make it available again soon.
The film "Satluj," starring Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been abruptly removed from the ZEE5 streaming platform in India, just two days after its release.
ZEE5 stated the film would be unavailable in India "until further notice" due to "current developments," without elaborating on the reasons. The film's producer, RSVP Movies, indicated that the removal was a result of government orders. Diljit Dosanjh himself addressed the situation, expressing that he had anticipated the film's removal but was surprised by its swiftness, suggesting that extensive promotion might have prevented its release altogether.
"Satluj" was completed in 2022 but had previously faced a prolonged dispute with India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), preventing its theatrical release. The CBFC reportedly sought numerous changes, including a title alteration and edits to scenes depicting police violence, which the filmmakers argued would fundamentally alter the film's narrative. Despite challenges in court, the filmmakers eventually withdrew their petition, hoping to secure certification.
The film was eventually released directly on ZEE5 under the title "Satluj," bypassing the need for CBFC approval for theatrical exhibition. However, streaming platforms in India are governed by the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which allow for takedown orders under Indian law. ZEE5 has stated it stands by the film's creative vision and hopes to reinstate it soon.