Filmmaker Honey Trehan has opened up about the overwhelming support that followed the removal of his film ‘Satluj’ from ZEE5. According to the director, people in India and abroad went as far as placing gullaks in Gurudwaras to collect money for the team after the film was taken off the streaming platform. While deeply moved by the gesture, Trehan has clarified that the team does not want to accept any financial contributions.
Honey Trehan responds to overwhelming support
Trehan shared a detailed note on Instagram after receiving calls, messages, direct messages and social media posts from people looking to contact him, the Khalra family and Diljit Dosanjh, who plays the lead in the film. The filmmaker revealed that supporters were attempting to help the team recover the financial losses associated with the film. He also learned that gullaks had been placed in Gurudwaras for the producers, with people trying to contribute towards the project.“This is happening in India as well as abroad. We thank you deeply for this gesture. It is truly special, and we respect your emotions. Having said that, your love and support is more than enough, and with all due respect, we cannot accept any money, gifts or donations for our film.” Trehan emphasised that the affection shown by audiences meant far more to the team than any financial assistance.Despite the setback surrounding the film’s release, Trehan said he and RSVP have always believed that ‘Satluj’ would eventually leave behind a lasting legacy. He encouraged audiences to see the film not simply as a commercial project but as an effort connected to human rights and the memory of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.Describing the film as “a small attempt,” Trehan said its purpose was to remember those “we lost in the darkness irrespective of their caste, religion or social status” and to acknowledge the grief experienced by their loved ones. The filmmaker added that the team feels fortunate to have played a role in what he considers a service to human rights and truth. He also made it clear that Team ‘Satluj’ has no connection with any money collected in the film’s name. He concluded his message by urging people to stand by one another with compassion, courage and kindness when it becomes necessary to “challenge the darkness”.
Satluj’s troubled journey to streaming
The film has faced a long and difficult journey before finally reaching audiences. ‘Satluj’, which was earlier titled ‘Punjab ’95’, is based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and features Diljit Dosanjh in the lead. The film did not receive a theatrical release after the Central Board of Film Certification rejected it when the producers did not agree to the requested modifications. The makers had previously claimed that the CBFC had sought 127 cuts. The film was also expected to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but its screening was eventually cancelled amid reports of complaints from Indian authorities.
Film disappears from ZEE5 within days
‘Satluj’ finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without a conventional promotional campaign. However, the film was removed from the streaming service less than 48 hours after its release. It was subsequently taken off the platform’s worldwide catalogue. The film’s IMDb user rating was also removed. Following its disappearance from the streaming platform, a public interest litigation was filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the film’s restoration on ZEE5 and disclosure of the reasons behind its removal.According to the petition, there was no publicly available statutory, judicial or government order cited for taking the film down.
