Diljit's Satluj finally releases after yrs of battle with censor board
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Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj has been released on ZEE5 after years of legal battles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Previously titled Punjab 95, the film centres on alleged human rights violations and police excesses during Punjab's anti-insurgency operations, drawing inspiration from the life and sacrifice of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Dosanjh said he joined the project because of Khalra's legacy and described it as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career. He said the story, based on real-life struggles and sacrifices, placed a deep responsibility on him to portray the character with honesty and respect. Director Honey Trehan said the makers remained committed to presenting the story without compromising its essence despite years of delays, adding that the film is a tribute to human courage and resilience inspired by Khalra's life.
The film's troubles began after it was submitted to the CBFC in 2022. Initially titled Ghallughara, it was later renamed Punjab 95. It was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 but was withdrawn following intervention by Indian authorities. The film has now been released on ZEE5 under its third title, with the makers maintaining that only the title changed and the version released is uncut.
The film highlights Khalra's decades-long campaign to secure justice for more than 25,000 allegedly disappeared persons, a struggle that ultimately cost him his life. Produced by RSVP Movies and MacGuffin Pictures, Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljeet Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.