India Removes Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sutlej’ From ZEE5 Within Two Days of Release
Indian authorities have directed streaming platform ZEE5 to remove Diljit Dosanjh’s film Sutlej from its India catalogue less than 48 hours after its release, according to media reports. The move has drawn attention because the film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
The film portrays Khalra’s efforts to document alleged extrajudicial killings and the mass cremation of Sikhs during counterinsurgency operations in Punjab in the 1980s and 1990s. The decision to remove the film follows reported scrutiny by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Filmmakers Report Extensive Censorship Requests
According to the filmmakers, the CBFC proposed 127 changes before the film’s release. Among the reported revisions was a request to remove references to Jaswant Singh Khalra.
The filmmakers have not publicly indicated whether all of the proposed amendments were implemented before the film was released on the streaming platform.
Diljit Dosanjh Says Team Expected Government Action
Reacting during an Instagram Live session from the United States, Diljit Dosanjh said the film’s team had anticipated possible government action and therefore kept promotional activities limited.
He said the strategy was intended to allow as many viewers as possible to watch the film before any restrictions were imposed. Dosanjh also stated that copies of the film are now circulating online.
The Indian government has not publicly detailed the reasons for directing the film’s removal from ZEE5.
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