Film Pulled Days After Release Amid Censorship Battle

The biographical drama 'Satluj,' centered on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, faced an abrupt removal from ZEE5 in India on July 5, 2026. This occurred just two days after its initial release on July 3, 2026. The film, formerly known as 'Punjab 95,' chronicles Khalra's investigation into alleged illegal abductions and extrajudicial killings during Punjab's militancy era in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The movie's journey to the screen was arduous, marked by a three-year battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The board had initially demanded over 120 cuts. Despite finally premiering uncut on ZEE5, its digital availability in India was short-lived, ending within 48 hours.

Actor Suvinder Pal Vicky, who portrays the ruthless SSP Surjit Singh Sugga, reflected on the challenging experience. He noted the difficulty of playing such a dark character while simultaneously filming a different police role. Vicky expressed his belief that truths, however uncomfortable, should not be suppressed, condemning the film's sudden withdrawal.