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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD JULY 17, 2026 | The Indian Eye 38

‘Satluj’ Sparks a National Row:

The Film, the Ban and the

Battle Over History

From certification disputes to human rights, free speech and Punjab’s troubled past, Diljit

Dosanjh’s Satluj has ignited one of India’s most contentious film controversies in recent years.

OUR BUREAU right to tell difficult stories, while actor
Ranvir Shorey described the removal
Mumbai
as “utterly disappointing.” Former
hat was expected to be cricketer Harbhajan Singh praised
a powerful biographical Khalra’s courage in exposing alleged
Wfilm on the life of human human rights violations, writing that
rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra “Truth cannot remain buried forever.”
has instead become the centre of a Diljit Dosanjh himself said he
nationwide debate over censorship, had anticipated that the film might
historical memory and freedom of face restrictions. “What I had already
expression.Just two days after pre- expected is exactly what happened,”
miering on ZEE5, Satluj, starring he said during an Instagram live ses-
Diljit Dosanjh, was taken down from sion after the film was removed. He
the streaming platform in India, trig- revealed that uncertainty surrounding
gering sharp reactions from political the project had influenced the team’s
leaders, filmmakers, actors and mem- promotional strategy, saying they be-
bers of the Sikh community. lieved extensive publicity might have
At the heart of the controversy prevented the release altogether. De-
lies a disagreement over whether the spite the setback, the actor expressed
film was released without completing Originally titled Ghallughara, it was later renamed Punjab 95 during the certification process satisfaction that audiences had al-
the required certification process and ready watched and downloaded the
whether its removal amounts to the before finally being released as Satluj (File) film, adding that community screen-
suppression of an important chapter ings at gurdwaras had brought him
in India’s recent history. tention largely because of the sub- screened, not banned.” immense joy.
According to the Ministry of In- ject matter. Satluj tells the story of The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Man- The actor also described the proj-
formation and Broadcasting, the film Jaswant Singh Khalra, the Punjab agement Committee also criticised ect as the culmination of nearly seven
did not possess the required certifi- human rights activist who exposed the removal, saying Khalra’s work years of work marked by repeated
cation for theatrical release. Ministry alleged illegal killings and secret cre- exposed evidence of thousands of al- delays, halted shoots and production
officials alleged that instead of com- mations during the militancy and leged illegal cremations and helped challenges. Director Honey Trehan,
plying with the certification process, counter-insurgency period in Punjab bring international attention to events he said, had dedicated years of re-
the filmmakers changed the title during the late 1980s and early 1990s. in Punjab. The committee announced search and personal commitment to
and released the film directly on an Khalra disappeared in 1995 and was plans for public screenings and ed- bringing Khalra’s story to the screen.
OTT platform. The Ministry further allegedly kidnapped, tortured and ucational seminars to ensure the The controversy has also revived
claimed that the certification body killed by Punjab Police officials. Fol- story continued to reach audiences. discussion about the film’s long jour-
had recommended nearly 100 cuts lowing a Supreme Court-ordered CBI Political reactions quickly followed ney to release. Originally titled Ghal-
and said no representation seeking investigation, several policemen were across party lines. Shiromani Akali lughara, it was later renamed Punjab
approval or reconsideration had been convicted, with the Supreme Court Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal 95 during the certification process
received before the release. ultimately upholding life sentences described the removal as “an assault before finally being released as Satluj.
Following the developments, for four of the accused in 2011. on our collective memory, truth, and According to reports, the film eventu-
ZEE5 announced that Satluj would Supporters of the film argue that freedom of expression,” while Pun- ally secured clearance after multiple
remain unavailable in India until fur- the story represents an important ac- jab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh changes, including 21 cuts and a title
ther notice while it explored “every count of alleged human rights viola- Sandhwan and AAP MP Malwinder change, before its release on ZEE5.
appropriate avenue through due pro- tions and should remain accessible to Singh Kang also criticised the decision. As the debate continues, Satluj
cess” to restore the film for audiences. the public. Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh has become more than just a film. It
The platform later reiterated that it Congress leader Pargat Singh Dhillon said the matter was being tak- now sits at the intersection of certi-
stood firmly behind the film and its said films dealing with alleged misuse en up with the Central government. fication rules, artistic freedom, his-
creative vision while acknowledging of state power should not be banned Several prominent figures from torical accountability and competing
the overwhelming audience response because they offer society an oppor- the film industry also voiced concern. narratives over how India’s difficult
it had received after release. tunity for reflection and reform. He Filmmaker Onir questioned whether past should be remembered and pre-
The controversy has drawn at- argued that such a film “should be storytellers were surrendering their sented to the public.

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