Satluj row intensifies! Rajya Sabha MP writes to I&B Ministry over Zee5 takedown: "History won't forgive us"

After finally reaching audiences following years of delays, Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj has found itself at the centre of another controversy. Just two days after premiering on Zee5, the film was taken off the streaming platform in India, sparking fresh debate over censorship and artistic freedom. Among those questioning the move is Rajya Sabha MP and RTI activist Saket Gokhale, who has now written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeking an explanation for the film's sudden removal.

Saket Gokhale questions the takedown

Gokhale shared his letter addressed to Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on social media, saying he was fortunate to watch Satluj before it disappeared from Zee5. In his letter, he urged the minister to watch the film, calling it an important portrayal of a painful chapter in Punjab's history rather than a politically motivated project.

According to Gokhale, the film shines a light on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged extra-judicial killings and illegal cremations in Punjab during the 1990s. He argued that Satluj does not target any political party but instead highlights systemic failures and reminds viewers of the need to acknowledge difficult moments from the past. He also said that removing the film would not erase history and that meaningful conversations are essential for healing.

A film that faced hurdles long before release

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj was originally titled Punjab '95 and spent nearly four years waiting for release. The project had earlier run into trouble when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly asked the makers to implement 125 cuts before a theatrical release.

The film eventually skipped cinemas and premiered directly on Zee5 on Friday. However, by Sunday evening, it was no longer available for viewers in India. In a statement, Zee5 confirmed that Satluj would remain unavailable in the country until further notice due to the current developments. The platform also said it firmly stands with the film and its team.