Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's long-delayed film “Punjab '95”, which released in India on streaming service ZEE5 under a new title "Satluj", has become unavailable on the platform just two days later, reported PTI.
The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was stuck in censorship for over three years.
The Honey Trehan-directed film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had remained mired in censorship for more than three years before finally becoming available in India without cuts.
On Sunday evening, ZEE5 announced that the film had been withdrawn from its Indian catalogue until further notice.
"In light of the current developments, 'Satluj' will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity," the platform said in a statement.
The streamer thanked viewers for the response the film had received since its release.
In the movie, Dosanjh essays the role of Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during a 10-year period from 1984 to 1994, before disappearing in 1995.
In 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for his abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their sentence to life imprisonment.
In 2023, the movie was scheduled to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) but was removed from the line-up without any official statement from the organisers.
The social drama had run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had reportedly asked for an unprecedented 127 cuts. The delay in getting a clearance from the censor board forced the makers to postpone planned releases.
With its earlier title of "Punjab '95", the movie was slated for a worldwide release on February 7, 2025, without any cuts, except in India. But that release also did not happen.
In an earlier statement, Dosanjh expressed gratitude to the OTT platform for releasing the movie.
"Our film, 'Satluj', is a story of conviction, courage, and humanity, and portraying this character has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I’m grateful that audiences across the world can finally watch the film on Zee 5 and connect with a story that is both deeply personal and truly a must-watch for all...
"Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the primary reasons I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard the script, it moved me deeply, as it is rooted in the lived experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, opportunities to be part of such meaningful stories are rare," the actor said.
Trehan said his intention was to make the film with honesty, sensitivity and without compromise.
“After a long wait, audiences will finally witness our labour of love and hard work. ‘Satluj’ is not just the story of one individual; it is a tribute to the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity.
"Everyone associated with the film deeply believed in the importance of this narrative, as it draws inspiration from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh. I’m delighted that it is now reaching audiences on Zee 5," he said.
In a separate statement to Variety, the filmmaker said the film is available on ZEE5 in its original form without "any cuts or compromises".
The film is produced by Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwvala, under the banners MacGuffin Pictures and RSVP.
It also features Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
