Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj to be screened at gurudwaras across five states

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj is set to reach audiences through community screenings at gurudwaras across five states after being removed from ZEE5 in India. The initiative aims to keep the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra alive despite the film's OTT takedown.

In Short

• Satluj removed from ZEE5 within 48 hours of release in India
• Gurudwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Jammu hosting community screenings
• Sikh bodies support screenings to keep Jaswant Singh Khalra's story alive

As Satluj remains unavailable for streaming in India, Sikh religious institutions across multiple states have launched community screenings to ensure the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra continues to reach audiences. Gurudwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Jammu are set to host screenings of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer after it was removed from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release.

According to a report by mid-day, insiders from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said gurudwara committees across the country have come together to organise screenings of Honey Trehan's directorial.

In Jammu, Satluj, previously titled Punjab '95, is scheduled to be screened at four gurudwaras between July 10 and July 13. Meanwhile, a poster circulating online has invited the public to attend a screening on July 11 at the Baba Fateh Singh Auditorium in Chandi Ki Taksal Gurudwara, Jaipur.

In Delhi, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka reiterated his demand for the film's restoration on ZEE5 while also extending support to the community screening initiative.

Explaining the decision behind the screenings, an SGPC source told the publication, "The community doesn’t want this story to disappear simply because the film is unavailable online. If people cannot watch it on OTT, gurudwaras are opening their doors. Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story deserves to be seen."

The biographical drama, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was taken down just two days later after the Centre reportedly directed the platform to remove it, citing security concerns under the Information Technology (IT) Rules.

Completed nearly four years ago, Satluj endured a prolonged certification battle before its release. The film was initially submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) under the title Ghallughara and was reportedly cleared with 21 cuts, along with a direction to change its title to Punjab '95.

Following legal proceedings, the film was referred to the CBFC's revising committee, which reportedly suggested 127 cuts and sought changes, including renaming protagonist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The makers declined to accept those changes, delaying the film's release in India for several years.

The film finally debuted on ZEE5 in its uncut version on July 3, only to be removed within 48 hours. The takedown drew criticism from the SGPC and several Punjab-based political parties, while Diljit Dosanjh later reacted by saying the removal was "bound to happen."

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj stars Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.

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