Diljit Dosanjh's 'Sutlej' faces streaming takedown as India cites security concerns

The Indian government has reportedly sought the removal of Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's film Sutlej from a streaming platform just two days after its release, citing national security concerns.

According to Indian media reports, the move has renewed discussion over the film's portrayal of Punjab's troubled past.

Released on ZEE5 on 3 July 2026, Sutlej is reportedly inspired by the life of Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film is based on alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and police excesses in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s.

According to Indian media, the project was delayed for nearly three years before its release and underwent multiple title changes. It was initially titled Ghallughara, later renamed Punjab '95, and was eventually released as Sutlej after filmmakers reportedly made changes to address objections raised during the certification process. Despite those changes, authorities have reportedly asked the streaming platform to remove the film.

The reported request has once again drawn attention to the events portrayed in the film. According to Indian media, Sutlej is inspired by the work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated alleged human rights violations in Punjab by examining municipal records.

Reports state that Khalra claimed to have uncovered evidence suggesting that more than 25,000 unidentified people were secretly cremated after alleged extrajudicial killings without their families being informed. He later held press conferences and raised the issue internationally before he was abducted and killed in 1995.

The film also highlights the legal battle led by Khalra's widow, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, who has spent years seeking justice for her husband and accountability for the alleged abuses. Indian media further report that former Punjab Police chief K. P. S. Gill, who led anti-militancy operations in the state, was never charged in connection with Khalra's murder.

Political analysts quoted by Indian media say the reported removal of Sutlej has once again highlighted allegations of state abuses against Sikhs in Punjab and renewed debate over that period of history. Human rights organisations and Sikh religious bodies have also reportedly opposed the move, saying the film raises issues of public and historical importance.

The Indian government has cited national security concerns for seeking the film's removal. However, the reported decision has continued to generate discussion over the historical events portrayed in Sutlej and the ongoing debate surrounding that chapter of Punjab's history.