Diljit Dosanjh Film ‘Satluj’ Streams Uncut on ZEE5 Global

The film “Satluj,” formerly titled “Punjab ’95” and directed by Honey Trehan, began streaming globally on ZEE5 Global on July 3, 2024. This social drama, inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is being presented in its complete form without any cuts or compromises. The decision to stream the film uncut comes three years after it initially encountered difficulties with India’s censor board.

Produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, “Satluj” features actor Diljit Dosanjh in a prominent role. The film’s journey has been marked by controversy, including its withdrawal from the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. At the time, reports indicated that the film was pulled due to concerns raised by the Indian High Commission, which reportedly viewed the film as potentially damaging to India's image. The film’s narrative centers on the experiences of Khalra, who documented human rights abuses in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s.

Diljit Dosanjh, who stars in the film, has expressed his commitment to the project’s integrity. The streaming release on ZEE5 Global aims to provide audiences worldwide with an uncensored viewing experience. The platform stated that this is the complete film, without any cuts or compromises, allowing viewers to engage with the story as intended by its creators. The film’s availability on ZEE5 Global signifies a significant step in making the narrative accessible to a broader audience, bypassing previous censorship hurdles.

The film’s original title, “Punjab ’95,” was reportedly changed to “Satluj” following directives from the censor board. This alteration, along with other potential cuts, led to its withdrawal from festival screenings and delayed its official release. The current streaming of the uncut version on ZEE5 Global offers a resolution to these issues, allowing the film to reach its intended audience without alteration. The film’s subject matter, focusing on human rights activism and the historical context of Punjab, has been a point of contention, highlighting the complexities of artistic expression and censorship in certain regions.