Diljit Dosanjh’s biographical drama Satluj is set to reach audiences through community screenings at gurudwaras across five states after its removal from the OTT platform ZEE5 just 48 hours after its release. The initiative, reportedly supported by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), aims to ensure that the story of renowned human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra continues to be accessible despite the film no longer being available for streaming.
According to reports, gurudwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Jammu will organise special screenings of the Honey Trehan directorial over the coming days. The campaign has been launched as a community effort to keep the film’s message alive following its sudden withdrawal from the digital platform. In Jammu, screenings are scheduled between July 10 and July 13 at multiple gurudwaras, while a public screening has also been announced at Baba Fateh Singh Auditorium in Chandi Ki Taksal Gurudwara in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The initiative has also received support from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). Reports state that DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka has urged authorities to restore Satluj on ZEE5 while backing the community screenings. An SGPC source reportedly said the Sikh community does not want Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story to disappear simply because the film is no longer available online.
Satluj, which is based on the life and work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 in its uncut version. However, the film was taken down within two days after the Centre reportedly directed the streaming platform to remove it under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, citing security concerns. Reports suggested that authorities feared the film could potentially lead to pro-Khalistani mobilisation or public unrest.
The film’s journey to release has been marked by years of delays and controversy. Originally titled Ghallughara, the project underwent an extended certification process with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It was initially cleared with 21 cuts and a title change to Punjab ’95. When the filmmakers challenged the recommendations, the matter was referred to the CBFC’s revising committee, which reportedly suggested 127 cuts along with additional changes, including renaming the protagonist. The makers declined to accept those conditions, resulting in further delays.
Despite eventually premiering on ZEE5, Satluj was removed within 48 hours, drawing criticism from the SGPC and several Punjab-based political organisations. Reacting to the takedown, Diljit Dosanjh said the removal was “bound to happen,” acknowledging the challenges the film had faced throughout its release journey.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role alongside Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. The latest community screening initiative is expected to bring the film to audiences across northern India, even as debates surrounding its removal continue.