Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' removed from OTT two days after release and is unavailable in India, the stream

Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj', originally titled 'Panjab 95', had finally released on OTT, after a long battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) which led to multiple delays. CBFC reportedly demanded more than 120 cuts before granting certification. The film eventually did not release in theatres but took the digital route. But, shortly after making its long-awaited streaming debut, the film was removed from the platform.Confirming the development, ZEE5 issued an official statement on social media, reiterating its support for the film, its creators and their vision. The platform also said it is pursuing legal avenues to make the film available again in India. The statement read, “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.” Watch Diljit Dosanjh's CJP Protest Comment Puts His Farmers' Protest Support Back In Focus“At Zee5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives," it continued. Addressing the film's removal, the platform added, “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.”The statement concluded by reaffirming the portal's ommitment to creators and to stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose. The streaming service captioned the post, “Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t. Thank you for the incredible love. We hope to bring it back soon.”Earlier on Sunday, former cricketer and Member of Parliament Harbhajan Singh had described the film as a must-watch.See More: Diljit Dosanjh strongly reacts after 'Satluj' based on Jaswant Singh Khalra's life removed from OTT two days after release: 'I challenge the darkness'The project has been amidst controversy for years over certification issues. According to reports, the CBFC had proposed more than 100 changes, including altering the title and removing references to Punjab as well as the real-life identity of the protagonist. Director Honey Trehan and the producers maintained that the film was based on documented events, resulting in a prolonged impasse with the board and repeated postponements.The dispute also impacted the film's international journey. It was withdrawn ahead of its scheduled premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival amid the ongoing certification row.Meanwhile, Diljit strongly reacted to the film's ban in India. He took to his social media and wrote, "#ichallengethedarkness 🪔 Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji 🙏🏽 #Panjab95 SATLUJ Naal V Oh Hee Hoyea Jo Khalra Saab Naal Hoyea"See More: 'Very surprised why Diljit Dosanjh chooses to do controversial films': FWICE President BN Tiwari questions 'Satluj' actor amid OTT removal row and how 'artists shouldn't do films just for money' The film also stars Arjun Rampal.Read the latest Entertainment News and Celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.