Satluj film pulled from Indian streaming platform ZEE5

A film about a human rights activist's investigation into alleged atrocities during Punjab's turbulent 1990s has been removed from streaming in India just days after its long-awaited release, reigniting debates over censorship and historical narratives. "Satluj," starring Diljit Dosanjh, was taken down from the ZEE5 platform on July 5, 2026, less than 48 hours after its uncut digital premiere on July 3.

The biographical drama, directed by Honey Trehan, depicts the life and work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a bank manager who documented thousands of alleged enforced disappearances and illegal cremations during the peak of Punjab's insurgency and counter-insurgency operations. Khalra was himself abducted and murdered in 1995; six former police officers were later convicted for his killing.

The film's path to release was fraught with regulatory challenges. Originally submitted for theatrical certification in 2022 under the title "Punjab 95," it faced extensive demands for cuts from India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Director Honey Trehan stated the board's requests escalated to 127 edits, including, he alleged, the removal of Khalra's name and references to the Punjab...