Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has reacted to the removal of his film “Satluj” from ZEE5, saying he had anticipated the move and was not surprised. The film, which was released on the streaming platform without any cuts on Friday, was taken down just two days later. Speaking during an Instagram Live session from the United States, where he is currently on tour, Dosanjh said he had expected the film to be removed once offices reopened after the weekend.
“I had a feeling on Friday that something like this would happen. It was already on my mind. It is not something to be shocked about. I thought it would be banned on Monday when the offices open,” Dosanjh said. The actor noted that although it was Sunday evening where he was, he believed the decision was only a matter of time.
Directed by Honey Trehan, the film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was abducted in 1995 and never seen again. Originally titled “Punjab 1995,” the film remained stuck in the certification process for more than three years after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly suggested 127 cuts. The filmmakers declined to release the film with the proposed edits, leading to a prolonged dispute over its release.