‘Once it's online, it never gets deleted...’ Diljit responds after ZEE5 removes ‘Satluj’

After ‘Satluj’ disappeared from ZEE5 India, Diljit Dosanjh has spoken publicly about the controversy. During an Instagram Live session, the actor thanked viewers for watching the film and urged those who had already downloaded it to share it with others until it becomes available again.

The film, which has been at the centre of a long censorship battle, was removed from the streaming platform shortly after its digital release, prompting widespread discussion online.

Diljit asks fans to share the film

During the live session, Diljit responded to comments from fans who said they had downloaded Satluj before it was taken down.

The actor said he was relieved that many people had managed to save a copy of the film. He encouraged them to share the download links with others so that more viewers could watch it while it remains unavailable on ZEE5. He also asked audiences to watch the film with their families.

Throughout the live session, Diljit repeatedly said that once something reaches the internet, it cannot truly be erased.

Diljit said he had expected the film to be removed, although he believed it would happen later.

"I came live on Instagram to thank people for watching Satluj."

"What I had feared actually happened. I thought the film would be taken down by Monday, but it happened sooner than expected. That's why we didn't promote the film. It was best to release the film online without any promotion. Today's youth is talking about Jaswant Singh Khalra. Every home is talking about Jaswant Singh Khalra."

He added that despite the setback, he was happy the film had reached audiences.

"You can trouble me as much as you want. I am with Punjab till the day I die."

"But I'm happy and relieved that the film finally reached the audience. Many people have already downloaded it. Once anything lands online, it never gets deleted. I saw a video from Rajasthan where people are watching the film; I felt very happy. Please show it to your friends and everyone around you."

'We fought this battle ourselves'

Diljit also looked back at the years-long struggle to release the film, saying neither he nor the makers sought support from the Punjabi film industry or Bollywood.

"We've been fighting to get this film released for the last three to four years. We never went to anyone asking for support. I never asked anyone from my industry, nor did I ever ask anyone in Bollywood to help release our film, support us, or stand by us. We fought this battle ourselves," he said in Punjabi.

He added that everyone faces their own struggles and that the team remained determined to bring the film to audiences.

"Everyone feels their own struggle is the biggest. Whatever work you're in, everyone is fighting their own battle on their own platform. We too brought our film to the audience on our own, got it released, and made sure it reached the people."

Speaking about the real-life events that inspired the film, Diljit expressed disappointment that, in his view, the issues surrounding the story continue decades later.

"The incident took place in 1995 and they didn't let people talk about it then. It is happening even today. Hadd ho gayi! I'm a little sad. We're still standing there, this is 2026."

Satluj and its long road to release

Originally titled Punjab 95, Satluj has faced several hurdles before reaching audiences.

The film was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but did not receive a clearance certificate. The filmmakers had earlier claimed that the CBFC sought 127 cuts before granting approval.

The film was also selected for the 2023 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), but its screening was later cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.

Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on Friday, July 3, without any promotional campaign. The film received positive responses from both critics and viewers after its release.

However, only days later, it was removed from the streaming platform without prior notice. ZEE5 later confirmed that the film had been made unavailable in India until further notice, citing "current developments" while stating that it continues to stand by the film and its creative vision.