The recent digital release of the film 'Satluj', formerly known as 'Punjab 95', has spiraled into a significant controversy after being pulled from the OTT platform ZEE5 just 48 hours after its debut. The sudden disappearance of the film, which features actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, has sparked widespread anger within the Sikh community. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has registered a strong objection against this decision by the government and the streaming platform, alleging that there is a systematic attempt to prevent the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra from reaching the public.
A Long-Standing Battle with Censorship
The film's journey to the screen has been fraught with challenges spanning nearly four years. Directed by Honey Trehan, the production faced intense scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which originally demanded 127 cuts. These requirements included removing 'Punjab' from the title, changing the name of the protagonist, cutting scenes featuring the Indian flag, and omitting references to the Punjab Police. At the time, director Honey Trehan stated that implementing such extensive cuts would reduce the film to nothing more than a trailer, arguing that the project would no longer reflect his or Diljit Dosanjh's creative vision. Despite these pressures, the makers refused to yield.
Uncovering the Dark History
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka issued an official statement on Tuesday, highlighting the bravery of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Kalka stated that Khalra risked his life to expose the truth during a tumultuous period in Punjab. Through his rigorous investigation, Khalra gathered evidence regarding 25,000 bodies that had been declared 'unclaimed' by the police and cremated in secret. Kalka emphasized that concealing this history from the current generation is entirely unjust, which has led to profound resentment among the Sikh community.
The Plan for Public Screenings
To combat the film's removal, Harmeet Singh Kalka has announced that the committee will take proactive measures. He has instructed all gurdwara management members to download the film and organize public screenings in their respective areas to ensure it is widely seen. Furthermore, the committee plans to hold meetings with the chairpersons of its various schools and colleges to arrange seminars on the life and contributions of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Kalka noted that the goal is to demonstrate to society that a dedicated social activist can indeed initiate substantial change.
The Life of Jaswant Singh Khalra
In this film directed by Honey Trehan, Diljit Dosanjh portrays the character of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Khalra was a bank clerk turned human rights activist who exposed alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Khalra disappeared in 1995. Ten years later, four Punjab police officers were convicted for his kidnapping, torture, and murder. Khalra's body was never found. The film also features performances by Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. It was produced by RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures.
The Mystery Behind the Removal
Initially titled 'Punjab 95', the film was rebranded as 'Satluj' and released on ZEE5 without cuts. However, its removal just two days later has left viewers confused. While ZEE5 simply stated that the film is currently unavailable due to recent developments, various media reports suggest it may have been removed due to alleged violations of IT rules. Currently, there has been no official statement from the platform or the filmmakers regarding when or if the movie will return to the streaming service.
