Streaming platform Zee5 has removed Diljit Dosanjh's film "Satluj" from its catalogue in India [1].
The sudden removal of the movie highlights the tension between artistic depictions of historical events and the regulatory or social pressures facing digital distributors in India.
"Satluj" premiered on the platform on July 3, 2026 [1]. However, the film was taken down on July 5, 2026 [2], approximately two days after its initial release [2]. Some reports indicated the removal occurred only hours after the film became available [3].
A Zee5 spokesperson said, "Satluj will remain unavailable in India until further notice" [4]. The platform said it is currently exploring appropriate avenues regarding the title [4].
While the streaming service did not provide a specific cause for the decision, other reports linked the move to a controversy surrounding the film's depiction of real events [3]. The movie is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra [3].
Viewers reported that the film stopped playing midway through the broadcast during the removal process [4]. In his first reaction following the ban, Dosanjh said, "I challenge the darkness" [5].
The film remains unavailable to viewers across the Indian market as the platform continues its internal review [1].
“"Satluj will remain unavailable in India until further notice"”
The removal of 'Satluj' underscores the precarious nature of streaming historical dramas in India, where depictions of sensitive real-world events can lead to rapid censorship or corporate withdrawal to avoid legal and social backlash.
