One film. Three different titles. Nearly four years of controversy. A surprise OTT release. And then, just 48 hours later, it disappeared from India. That is the extraordinary journey of Satluj, the Diljit Dosanjh starrer that has become one of the biggest talking points in the OTT space. While many viewers only came to know about the film after its sudden removal from ZEE5, the controversy surrounding it actually began years before it finally reached audiences.
Here’s everything you need to know about the film and the dramatic turn of events that brought it back into the spotlight.
What Is Satluj About?
Satluj was originally announced as Ghallughara before being renamed Panjab ’95, eventually arriving on OTT under its third title, Satluj. Directed by Honey Trehan, the biographical political drama stars Diljit Dosanjh as Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist who investigated the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies during Punjab’s militancy era in the 1990s. Since the film is inspired by one of the most sensitive chapters in India’s recent history, it attracted attention long before its release.
How Did the Controversy Begin?
The film was completed in 2022 and submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for approval. Instead of receiving a routine clearance, the makers found themselves in a prolonged certification battle. According to them, the CBFC proposed more than 120 cuts and also raised objections to several scenes, dialogues, references and even the film’s title. The filmmakers maintained that making so many changes would significantly alter the film’s original vision, leading to a legal and certification battle that delayed its release for nearly three years.
The Long Road to Release
As the certification dispute continued, uncertainty surrounding the film only grew. Panjab ’95 was expected to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but those plans did not materialise while the controversy remained unresolved. With no release date in sight, many believed the film might never reach audiences. After years of waiting, the makers finally decided to skip a theatrical release and opted for a direct OTT premiere instead.
The Surprise OTT Release
On July 3, 2026, the film quietly premiered on ZEE5 under its new title, Satluj. Diljit Dosanjh later revealed that the version released on the platform was the original uncut version, adding that he would never have promoted the film if even a single cut had been made. After a wait of almost four years, audiences finally had the opportunity to watch the much discussed film, and it appeared that its long journey had finally come to an end.
What Happened Just 48 Hours Later?
The celebrations, however, were short lived. Barely two days after its digital premiere, Satluj disappeared from ZEE5 in India, leaving subscribers surprised and sparking widespread discussion on social media. Soon after, ZEE5 issued an official statement confirming that the film had been made unavailable in India until further notice because of “current developments.” While reiterating its support for the film and its creators, the platform said it is exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to restore the title for Indian audiences. However, it did not reveal the exact reason behind the latest development.
Can You Still Watch Satluj?
For now, the restriction applies only to India. While the film is no longer available for Indian subscribers, Satluj continues to stream on ZEE5 Global in several international markets, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia. The regional restriction has only added to the curiosity surrounding the film, with many viewers wondering why it remains available overseas while being inaccessible in its home country.
The Mystery Is Still Unfolding
From multiple title changes and a prolonged certification battle to an uncut OTT release and a sudden takedown within just 48 hours, Satluj has had one of the most unusual journeys of any Indian film in recent years. Yet, the biggest question remains unanswered. Neither ZEE5 nor the authorities have explained what the “current developments” actually are. Until an official clarification emerges, Satluj will continue to make headlines not just for the story it tells, but for the extraordinary journey it has taken to reach audiences.