Diljit Dosanjh spoke for the first time on ‘Sutlej’ being removed from ZEE5, said- ‘No worries now’; Know why the film remained in controversies

New Delhi: Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has reacted for the first time after his film ‘Sutlej’ was removed from ZEE5. During a live session on social media, he said that now he is not worried about the availability of the film, as it has already reached the audience.

Diljit said, “There are no worries now. Everyone has downloaded the film. Once the film is released, it cannot be deleted.”

He further said that he was worried about the film on the first day of its release, but not anymore. According to him, no matter when the film is released again, the audience has already seen it.

Why was ‘Sutlej’ in controversies?

Director Honey Trehan’s film ‘Sutlej’ is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalda. Khalda had exposed cases of alleged fake encounters and secret cremations of unidentified bodies in Punjab in the 1990s.

The journey of the film was not easy from the beginning. Earlier its name was ‘Punjab ’95’. According to media reports, the film remained stuck in the certification process of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a long time. During this period, many amendments were suggested regarding the film, due to which its release was postponed for almost three years. It was later renamed as ‘Sutlej’ and finally released on ZEE5 on 3 July.

Why was it removed from ZEE5 after just two days?

Just two days after its release, the film was removed from ZEE5 in India. However, the platform did not give any clear reason behind this. ZEE5 said in its official statement that “Given the current circumstances, the film ‘Sutlej’ will not be available in India until further notice. We are trying to bring it back as soon as possible under due process.” At present it has not been made clear as to what reasons the decision to remove the film was taken.

What did Diljeet say?

When the film was removed, Diljit said that now he is not worried about it. He said, “I was worried on the first day, but now it doesn’t matter when it will be released again. People have watched the film and also downloaded it. Now it can’t be deleted.”

Film again in headlines

‘Sutlej’ was earlier in the news for its lengthy certification process and delay in release. Now after its sudden removal from ZEE5 it is once again in the headlines. Currently, the film is not available for streaming in India and ZEE5 has not announced any date for its return.