Satluj Controversy: Diljit Dosanjh Starrer To Be Screened At Gurudwaras In 5 Indian States- Report

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

Diljit Dosanjh Starrer Satluj To Screen In 5 Indian States Amid Controversy

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 on social media announced a public screening of the film on July 11 and invited people to attend it 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. He also extended 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.”

About Satluj Controversy

The biographical drama is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. It premiered on ZEE5 on July 3. However, it was taken down just two days later after the Centre reportedly directed the platform to remove it. The reason cited security concerns under the Information Technology (IT) Rules. According to reports, the government was concerned that the film could trigger pro-Khalistani mobilisation or unrest. It was cited as one of the reasons behind the takedown.

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. It was reportedly cleared with 21 cuts, along with a direction to change its title to Punjab ’95. The makers, however, were dissatisfied with the 21 cuts suggested by the CBFC. They approached the Bombay High Court, seeking intervention over the certification process.

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

ZEE5 Removes Satluj

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. 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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Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Urges People To Watch Diljit Dosanjh Starrer Satluj Even If It’s In Pirated Form Amid Controversy; Says, “I Wasn’t Planning On Watching But…”

Akankshya Mukherjee

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