Diljit Dosanjh reacts as fan asks why Satluj chose OTT over theatres
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has revealed why Satluj skipped a theatrical release and premiered directly on ZEE5, saying the team faced years of hurdles and was not even allowed to talk about the film before its release. The actor also reflected on the delays and thanked fans for supporting the project.
Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh talked about why Satluj was released directly on ZEE5 instead of theatres. He revealed that the makers faced years of hurdles before the film finally reached audiences. During a live session with fans, the actor said the team was not even allowed to speak about the film until its release and reflected on the many challenges that delayed the project.
During a recent live interaction, Diljit responded to a fan who asked why Satluj was released on ZEE5 instead of in theatres or on another streaming platform. The actor revealed that the team had little control over the film's release and had to remain silent until it finally premiered.
He said in Punjabi, "Till yesterday I was not even allowed to talk about the film with anyone. The film was directly released on the platform with no promotion whatsoever. Does this ever happen? The whole team worked so heard on the film."
Diljit added that there were many things he wished he could speak about but was unable to. He, however, thanked viewers for their support and said he had watched the videos, edits and posts fans had been sharing about the film on social media.
Reflecting on the real-life events that inspired Satluj, Diljit said the incident took place in 1995, when people were allegedly not allowed to speak about it. He added that the same situation continues even today, calling it deeply upsetting and saying it saddened him that, even in 2026, little had changed.
The actor also recalled the many delays the project faced over the years. He said the film's shoot was stalled for 10–15 years, it took another one-and-a-half years to begin production, and after editing, the project remained stuck for four years. Diljit added that he was associated with the film for two years, while director Honey Trehan devoted six years to bringing it to life.
About Satluj
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj, earlier titled Punjab '95, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994.
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 alleged that the CBFC had sought 127 cuts. It was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
Despite years of delays, Satluj finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign. However, just two days later, it was removed from the platform without prior notice. ZEE5 later said it stood by the film and its creative vision, but added that, "in light of current developments," the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice.
Apart from Diljit Dosanjh, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh talked about why Satluj was released directly on ZEE5 instead of theatres. He revealed that the makers faced years of hurdles before the film finally reached audiences. During a live session with fans, the actor said the team was not even allowed to speak about the film until its release and reflected on the many challenges that delayed the project.
During a recent live interaction, Diljit responded to a fan who asked why Satluj was released on ZEE5 instead of in theatres or on another streaming platform. The actor revealed that the team had little control over the film's release and had to remain silent until it finally premiered.
He said in Punjabi, "Till yesterday I was not even allowed to talk about the film with anyone. The film was directly released on the platform with no promotion whatsoever. Does this ever happen? The whole team worked so heard on the film."
Diljit added that there were many things he wished he could speak about but was unable to. He, however, thanked viewers for their support and said he had watched the videos, edits and posts fans had been sharing about the film on social media.
Reflecting on the real-life events that inspired Satluj, Diljit said the incident took place in 1995, when people were allegedly not allowed to speak about it. He added that the same situation continues even today, calling it deeply upsetting and saying it saddened him that, even in 2026, little had changed.
The actor also recalled the many delays the project faced over the years. He said the film's shoot was stalled for 10–15 years, it took another one-and-a-half years to begin production, and after editing, the project remained stuck for four years. Diljit added that he was associated with the film for two years, while director Honey Trehan devoted six years to bringing it to life.
About Satluj
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj, earlier titled Punjab '95, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994.
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 alleged that the CBFC had sought 127 cuts. It was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
Despite years of delays, Satluj finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign. However, just two days later, it was removed from the platform without prior notice. ZEE5 later said it stood by the film and its creative vision, but added that, "in light of current developments," the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice.
Apart from Diljit Dosanjh, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
