Satluj Drives 374 Percent Jump In ZEE5 Overseas Downloads

Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, 2026. Based on Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film triggered a surge abroad. Sources told NDTV that excluding India, ZEE5’s monthly international app downloads rose by about 374% following the release.
The film remains available to global audiences despite being pulled from ZEE5 India after two days. ZEE5 cited “current developments.” The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a committee to review content concerns, with reports suggesting fears of misuse by anti-India elements.
Satluj faced major hurdles before streaming. The CBFC demanded 127 cuts, including changing the lead’s name and removing Punjab Police references. Director Honey Trehan refused, stating it would dilute the story. The film was also dropped from TIFF 2023 at the last minute.
Screenwriter Niren Bhatt criticized the lack of transparency around the India takedown. Despite the controversy, Satluj has sparked strong social media debate and boosted ZEE5’s global visibility. Trade expects the film’s overseas traction to help the platform expand its international subscriber base further.
- Veda







































