Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has expressed disappointment after his much-awaited film Punjab 95, released on the OTT platform ZEE5 under the title Satluj, was removed just two days after its digital premiere. While the streaming platform said the decision was taken due to "current circumstances," Diljit said the incident reflected a worrying decline in humanity rather than a personal setback.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session, the actor said he was not upset about the film being taken down because it had already reached audiences online.

"I am not sad that the film has been removed from the internet because it has already reached people. Once something is online, it cannot be erased. What saddens me is that humanity seems to have died," Diljit said, adding that compassion and understanding appear to be fading.

The actor also revealed that he had anticipated possible hurdles before the release. According to him, the team believed that if the film remained available for even a few days, it would achieve its purpose by reaching viewers.

During the interaction, Diljit hinted that another upcoming project had also faced restrictions. He told fans that after this development, he would focus on his scheduled Europe concert tour, with the first performance planned in Berlin.

Following the removal of the film, ZEE5 issued an official statement acknowledging the audience's positive response and thanking viewers for supporting the project.

The platform said it continues to have confidence in the film and its creators, describing Satluj as an important piece of storytelling. However, it stated that the film would remain unavailable until further notice because of the prevailing circumstances.

ZEE5 also said it is exploring all available legal options to restore the film on the platform at the earliest while reaffirming its commitment to meaningful and authentic content.

The controversy has also drawn political reactions.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the decision, describing the removal of the film as an attack on truth, collective memory and freedom of expression. He argued that Punjab's history should be discussed openly rather than suppressed.

The film is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented thousands of alleged illegal cremations during Punjab's militancy period. Khalra's investigations attracted international attention before he was abducted in 1995. His family alleged that he was tortured and killed in police custody, following which the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case.

The project has witnessed a long and controversial journey before reaching audiences.

Originally announced in 2022 under the title Ghallughara, the film was later renamed Punjab 95 after objections were reportedly raised during the certification process. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recommended extensive modifications, including numerous cuts and changes related to historical references, although the complete list of suggested changes was never officially published.

Unable to secure theatrical clearance in India, the film premiered internationally in February 2025 and later received recognition at international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, where Diljit Dosanjh's performance earned praise.

Its digital release on ZEE5 was seen as the first opportunity for Indian audiences to watch the film legally. The unexpected removal shortly after release has now reignited debates around censorship, artistic freedom and the challenges faced by films dealing with politically and historically sensitive subjects.

Neither the streaming platform nor the filmmakers have confirmed when the film will return online, leaving its future release schedule uncertain.