Diljit Dosanjh’s controversial film Satluj (Punjab 95) has become one of the most talked-about films this year. Having been removed from the ZEE5 platform shortly after its release, this work has achieved worldwide recognition, and now there is a heated debate about censorship and freedom of speech.
Inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, this film was quietly released on the ZEE5 digital platform this month, after having been delayed several times. Nevertheless, it was removed from the platform on Tuesday night, with no official explanation, giving as a reason for removal “current events.”
Meanwhile, Satluj / Punjab 95 , has gained surprising popularity outside the country, as many international users sought to watch the film on ZEE5.
As reported by NDTV, citing unnamed sources, the number of downloads of the ZEE5 app from outside India increased by an average of 374% per month during the period under review. Moreover, users from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries have actively downloaded the application to watch the film.
Meanwhile, the work’s popularity outside India has led to its proliferation in p2p networks. It is reported that copies of Satluj have flooded chat platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram in recent days. This film has become a real sensation among international users.
In addition, it is worth noting that this film has a rich history of censorship and postponements. It was previously banned in India for 13 years after its release in 2012.
It is reported that the Censor Board asked for 127 cuts to Punjab 95 before it could be shown on cinema screens. However, according to film director Honey Trehan, the censors tried to cut out any mention of the Punjab Police and rename the main character.
The film’s showing at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada was canceled in 2023 due to censorship problems.
The film once again attracted widespread attention when it was released on the ZEE5 platform. NDTV learned that the Union Government ministry has taken notice of the work’s distribution on the Internet and is considering ways to respond.
Thus, the MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) has reportedly formed an internal committee on July 6, 2026, which is studying videos of this film. So far, no one from ZEE5 has responded to this incident.
Now that Satluj has earned critical acclaim abroad and is causing a stir in local politics, it has become a real media sensation. The film’s popularity outside India and its complicated relationship with local authorities will undoubtedly be discussed for a long time.