Streaming platform ZEE5 has appealed to viewers not to support piracy after unauthorized copies of the film Satluj began circulating online following its removal from the platform.
The appeal came hours after singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh said he was relieved that the film had reached audiences despite being taken down. During a live interaction with fans, Dosanjh remarked that the makers had anticipated challenges from the beginning, which is why they chose not to announce or promote the film before its release.
According to Dosanjh, the team feared that publicity could have prevented the film from being released altogether. Although saddened by the circumstances, he said he was pleased that many viewers had already downloaded the film and that younger audiences were now discussing its subject.
Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan, premiered on ZEE5 on Friday but was removed from the platform in India on Sunday. In a statement, ZEE5 said the film would remain unavailable until further notice due to ongoing developments while assuring viewers that it was pursuing all appropriate legal avenues to restore the title.
The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994 before disappearing in 1995. His abduction and murder later led to the conviction of four Punjab Police personnel.
Originally titled Punjab ’95, the film remained stalled for over three years after the Central Board of Film Certification reportedly sought 127 cuts. Produced by Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwvala, the film also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
