Exclusive Satluj Honey Trehan Explains How a High-Stakes, Covert Release Was Achieved Just Hours Before the Film Was Removed From ZEE5

Just hours before the film 'Satluj' was unexpectedly removed from ZEE5, director Honey Trehan spoke about the extraordinary journey that finally brought the movie to audiences. In an exclusive interview, he revealed that the film's digital release was planned in complete secrecy after a four-year struggle over censorship. According to Trehan, only a handful of people—including lead actor Diljit Dosanjh and a small core team—knew that the film would premiere on the streaming platform.Trehan said the film, originally titled Punjab 95, faced repeated delays after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly sought more than 127 cuts before granting a theatrical release. After years of waiting and receiving no clear resolution, producers decided to bypass cinemas and release the film directly on ZEE5, where a CBFC certificate is not required in the same way as for theatrical distribution.

The release itself was carried out like a confidential operation. Trehan admitted that even on the evening of the premiere he was unsure whether the film would actually go live, as previous release attempts had repeatedly collapsed. When the film finally appeared on ZEE5, it generated widespread excitement and positive reactions from viewers, who praised its powerful storytelling and Diljit Dosanjh's performance. However, the celebration was short-lived. Only hours after the interview, ZEE5 removed Satluj from its Indian catalogue and announced that the title had been taken down "until further notice." The platform did not provide a detailed explanation, leading to widespread speculation and renewed debate over censorship, artistic freedom, and the challenges of releasing politically sensitive films in India. Trehan also explained why the film's title was changed from Punjab 95 to Satluj. He said the decision was made by the filmmakers themselves rather than being imposed by the streaming platform. The name Satluj, referring to the river flowing through Punjab, was already registered by the production house and was chosen because it better reflected the film's emotional and cultural connection with the region. After the takedown, Diljit Dosanjh reacted publicly, saying he was not worried because the film had already reached audiences. He reiterated his support for releasing the movie in its original, uncut form and stressed that stories like this should continue to be told despite the obstacles they face. The controversy has once again highlighted the ongoing discussion around creative expression, censorship, and digital distribution in Indian cinema.