Political parties and Sikh organisations say the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer highlights the legacy of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and should not be silenced through censorship
Mumbai: Political leaders and Sikh organisations in Punjab have strongly criticised the removal of the film Satluj from an OTT platform, arguing that the movie sheds light on one of the state’s darkest chapters and should not be suppressed through censorship.
The film, starring Diljit Dosanjh, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the secret cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during the militancy period between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted in 1995, and several Punjab Police personnel were later convicted in connection with his murder.
The film was released on ZEE5 on July 3 after years of delays linked to certification issues but was removed from the platform within 48 hours, triggering widespread criticism. The streaming platform has indicated it is exploring legal options to restore the film.
Leaders across political parties said the film forces India to confront painful historical events rather than erase them. They argued that history should be acknowledged with honesty and transparency instead of being buried through censorship.
The controversy has also sparked protests in Punjab, with Sikh organisations demanding the film’s reinstatement. Some groups, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, have announced public screenings despite the OTT takedown.
