The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj (formerly known as Panjab 95) finally released on ZEE5, but it was abruptly removed after just two days. The biographical drama was removed from OTT after it fought for nearly four years with the censor board. The Punjabi actor-singer reacted after the movie based on the life of human rights campaigner Jaswant Singh Khalra was pulled down.
Diljit Dosanjh shared a crucial scene from the movie and wrote, "I challenge the darkness. Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra ji #Panjab95 SATLUJ naal v oh hee hoyea jo Khalra Saab naal hoyea c (sic)."
ALSO READ - Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra? Know About The Man Behind Diljit Dosanjh's Punjab 95, Now Satluj
Satluj is no longer accessible in India, according to a statement released by Zee5 on Sunday night. The platform expressed gratitude to viewers who subscribed, watched, and supported Satluj in a statement that claimed the response had been 'truly overwhelming'.
The statement further stated that it stands by the film, its makers and its creative vision, and is investigating legal options through due procedure to bring it back to viewers in India at the earliest opportunity.
Diljit Dosanjh revealed that working on this movie was emotionally and physically hard. Speaking with Variety India, he said, "It's honestly one of the hardest films I have ever made in my career. Emotionally and physically, it extracted everything out of all of us."
Amar Singh Chamkila actor added, "There were the long days, difficult conditions and intense scenes. But ultimately, it was the nature of the subject matter which really clung on to me. I think this is perhaps the first film in my career which required me to recuperate after the shoot."
ALSO READ - Satluj Twitter Review: Netizens Call It A Must-Watch, Hail Diljit Dosanjh As 'Hero No. 1 In India'
About Satluj Movie
Satluj is based on the life and death of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who disclosed 25,000 extrajudicial killings in the state before being kidnapped, tortured, and killed by Punjab Police officers in 1995.
Diljit Dosanjh played the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra in the biographical drama. It also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
For those who are unaware, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sought 120 cuts after the film was submitted in 2022. The makers contested the cutbacks, leading to the cancellation of a world debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Eventually, the film was retitled but released uncut on Zee5 as Satluj this Friday.