Mumbai, Jul 3 (PTI) Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s long-delayed film “Punjab ’95” has finally become available for viewing in India with its premiere on streaming service ZEE5 under a new title “Satluj”, more than three years after it ran into censorship issues.
The streaming service on Friday announced that the movie, directed by Honey Trehan and based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is now available on its platform.
In the movie, Dosanjh essays the role of Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during a 10-year period from 1984 to 1994, before disappearing in 1995.
In 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for his abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their sentence to life imprisonment.
In 2023, the movie was scheduled to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) but was removed from the line-up without any official statement from the organisers.
The social drama had run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had reportedly asked for an unprecedented 127 cuts. The delay in getting a clearance from the censor board forced the makers to postpone planned releases.
With its earlier title of “Punjab ’95”, the movie was slated for a worldwide release on February 7, 2025, without any cuts, except in India. But that release also did not happen.
In a statement, Dosanjh expressed gratitude to the OTT platform for releasing the movie.
“Our film, ‘Satluj’, is a story of conviction, courage, and humanity, and portraying this character has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I’m grateful that audiences across the world can finally watch the film on Zee 5 and connect with a story that is both deeply personal and truly a must-watch for all…
“Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the primary reasons I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard the script, it moved me deeply, as it is rooted in the lived experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, opportunities to be part of such meaningful stories are rare,” the actor said.
Trehan said his intention was to make the film with honesty, sensitivity and without compromise.
“After a long wait, audiences will finally witness our labour of love and hard work. ‘Satluj’ is not just the story of one individual; it is a tribute to the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity.
Everyone associated with the film deeply believed in the importance of this narrative, as it draws inspiration from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh. I’m delighted that it is now reaching audiences on Zee 5,” he said.
In a separate statement to Variety, the filmmaker said the film is available on ZEE5 in its original form without “any cuts or compromises”.
“This is the complete film,” he said.
Producer Ronnie Screwvala said the team has always believed in backing stories that challenge audiences and leave a lasting impression.
“We’re grateful to Zee 5 for boldly championing a film like this and giving it a platform to reach the audience it deserves. We hope Satluj receives all the love and recognition it deserves,” Screwvala said.
According to the makers, the film explores the emotional and human cost borne by families searching for missing loved ones, while examining themes of power, accountability and resilience.
Speaking about the OTT release of the movie, Tejkarran Singh Bajaj, Business Head, ZEE5 India, said the platform is focused on building a diverse and culturally relevant content slate.
“‘Satluj’ is a reflection of that vision – a powerful film inspired by true events that combines emotional depth with social relevance, reinforcing our belief in stories that not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations and create a lasting impact,” Bajaj said.
Kaveri Das, Business Head, Hindi ZEE5, described the film as “bold, socially urgent and deeply human”.
“We are proud to bring Satluj to Zee 5, not just because it is powerful cinema, but because it represents the kind of impactful, culturally resonant storytelling we are committed to backing,” Das said.
The film is produced by Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey and Ronnie Screwvala, under the banners MacGuffin Pictures and RSVP.
It also features Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles. PTI KKP RB SCY SCY
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