Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj Streaming in UAE After India Removal
Film is still available in the UAE on Z5, despite its removal in India.
Diljit Dosanjh’s emotional film Satluj, earlier known as Punjab 95, was removed from ZEE5 India within 48 hours of its release, creating a lot of discussion online.
The film was delayed for three years after the Central Board of Film Certification asked for more than 120 cuts. These changes were not made for its OTT release.
Now, many fans in the UAE and across the GCC are asking where they can watch it.
The film is no longer available in India, but it is still available for global viewers on the OTT platform Z5. Viewers in the UAE who want to watch the film can subscribe to the platform.
Subscriptions start from Dh22.99 per month and include access to all content on two devices.
The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra from Punjab. He exposed alleged illegal killings and secret cremations during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Punjab faced insurgency. Khalra was also “disappeared” in 1995, and his body was found near the Harike Bridge on the Sutlej river.
Piracy concerns
The film was leaked online soon after it was removed from Zee5 in India. Because pirated versions are now being shared, the streaming platform has raised concerns and asked viewers not to support piracy.
"We are doing our bit to bring Satluj back. Please do yours - don't support piracy. We are hopeful and doing everything we can. Please do not support piracy. We remain committed to exploring every possible avenue to bring Satluj back to you," Zee5 wrote in a social media post.
In an official statement after the film’s removal on Sunday, ZEE5 thanked viewers for their support and confirmed that the film is temporarily unavailable in India.
"The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life," the platform said.
When announcing the removal on Sunday, the platform also said, "In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity."
Lead actor Diljit Dosanjh spoke about the issue in a live Instagram video on Monday.
During the live session, he shared his thoughts on the sudden restriction of the film and the long journey behind its release. He also spoke about feeling disappointed, while accepting the latest development.
In his live interaction, Diljit Dosanjh spoke clearly about what happened. He said, "My love and respect to all of you. What I had already expected is exactly what happened. I thought the film might get banned when offices open on Monday, but I didn't know it would happen as early as Sunday evening."
AI contributed to the creation of this article.