Diljit Dosanjh Satluj removed From ZEE5: Viral Rajasthan village screening sparks debate on censorship
PTC Web Desk: Even after being withdrawn from streaming platform ZEE5 in India, Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj continues to dominate conversations across social media and beyond. A viral video, reportedly from a village in Rajasthan, shows hundreds of residents gathering to watch the film together on a massive outdoor LED screen, transforming the screening into a community event.
The clip, which has been widely shared online, captures families, children and elderly villagers assembled in an open space as the film plays before a packed audience. While the exact location of the screening has not been independently verified, the visuals have triggered widespread discussion, with many social media users calling it a powerful expression of support for Punjabi cinema and artistic freedom.
The public screening comes shortly after Satluj briefly appeared on ZEE5 on Friday before disappearing from the platform for Indian viewers within two days. The streaming service later confirmed that the film had been taken down in India "until further notice" due to "current developments," without providing any additional details.
Responding to the development during an Instagram Live session from the United States, where he is currently on tour, Diljit Dosanjh revealed that he had expected such a move.
The actor said he had sensed the film's removal was only a matter of time. Although he anticipated the decision would likely come after the weekend, he admitted he was surprised that it happened as early as Sunday evening.
Diljit further explained that the makers intentionally avoided a promotional campaign ahead of the OTT release because they were aware the film could face fresh obstacles. Despite the setback, he expressed satisfaction that the movie had managed to reach audiences during its brief availability. He also acknowledged watching videos of community screenings, including one reportedly organised at a gurdwara in Rajasthan.
Meanwhile, ZEE5 has maintained that it does not endorse accessing the film through unofficial or unauthorised sources. The platform stated that it is pursuing the appropriate legal process to restore the film's availability in India.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted in 1995 and never returned. A decade later, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted in connection with his abduction and murder, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court subsequently enhancing their punishment to life imprisonment.
The project, originally titled Punjab '95, remained unreleased for over three years after its makers reportedly refused to accept 127 cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification. Although the film was later retitled Satluj, its release journey has continued to face significant challenges.
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- With inputs from agencies
