Diljit Dosanjh's long-delayed 'Satluj', previously titled Punjab 95, finally gets OTT release

After nearly four years of delays, Diljit Dosanjh's much-awaited film has finally been released on the OTT platform ZEE5. However, the film is no longer titled Punjab 95. It has been released under the new name Satluj. The film started streaming globally on July 3 without any censor cuts, with the title being the only major change.

Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, Satluj is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

Story Based on a Real-Life Human Rights Activist

The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. It tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who spent years investigating the disappearance of more than 25,000 people during Punjab's counter-insurgency operations in the 1980s and 1990s.

The film highlights the alleged extra-judicial killings, illegal detentions and disappearances that took place during that period. It also shows Khalra's determination to uncover the truth despite facing serious threats and personal risks.

Trailer Shows the Fight for Justice

Along with the film's release, the makers also unveiled its official trailer. The two-minute trailer sets the backdrop of Punjab in 1995 and portrays the tense political and social atmosphere of the time.

Arjun Rampal's character explains that while the police were fighting militancy, some officers allegedly misused their power for personal gain. Suvinder Vicky plays a police officer who warns Jaswant Singh against speaking out, saying it could cost him his life.

The trailer features scenes of police brutality and follows Jaswant's relentless fight for justice. It also depicts his efforts to take the issue to the international stage. In one powerful dialogue, Jaswant says that his fight is not against the police or the government, but against individuals who crossed the limits of humanity for personal benefits. The trailer ends by showing his own abduction and disappearance.

Why Was the Film Delayed?

The film faced major hurdles after it was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022. The board reportedly asked for 21 cuts and also directed the makers to change the title from Punjab 95. The producers challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court.

Earlier, the project was originally titled Ghallughara, a historic term associated with the massacres of Sikhs in 1746, 1762 and 1984. It was later renamed Punjab 95 before finally releasing as Satluj.

Where to watch Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj'?

The controversy also affected the film's international release. Although it was selected for a gala premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, the screening was later withdrawn following objections from Indian authorities. After years of uncertainty, the film has now reached audiences worldwide through ZEE5.