‘Satluj’ Review: Film About Sikh Activist Removed From Circulation After Brief Release
8 reported1 unconfirmed
Honey Trehan's film "Satluj," about a Sikh activist investigating extrajudicial killings in 1990s Punjab, was released globally on the Indian streaming platform Zee5 on July 3, 2026, but was pulled for Indian viewers within 48 hours and for international audiences the following week. The film, originally titled "Punjab '95," was also removed from the Toronto International Film Festival lineup in 2023 for unexplained reasons. The movie follows Jaswant Singh Khalra, a bank manager played by pop star Diljit Dosanjh, who traces a missing elderly aunt and uncovers a system of disappearances and mass cremations by local authorities. The film's release came after years of government demands for over 120 cuts, and the version released is described as uncompromised. Since its removal from Zee5, rogue community screenings have taken place across India. The film runs 164 minutes and features cinematography by K. U. Mohanan and music by Marc Marder.
What’s reported
"Satluj" was released globally on Zee5 on July 3, 2026.
The film was pulled for Indian viewers within 48 hours and for international audiences the following week.
It was removed from the Toronto International Film Festival lineup in 2023 under the title "Punjab '95" for unexplained reasons.
The film is about Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra investigating extrajudicial killings in 1990s Punjab.
Diljit Dosanjh plays Khalra; Dosanjh is a pop star who recently toured North America and appeared on "The Tonight Show."
The film faced over 120 cuts demanded by censors before release.
Rogue community screenings have occurred across India since the film's removal from Zee5.
The film is 164 minutes long.
Open questions
The article does not explain why the film was removed from the Toronto International Film Festival lineup or why it was pulled from Zee5.
Key figures
Honey Trehan (director)
Jaswant Singh Khalra (subject, played by Diljit Dosanjh)
Diljit Dosanjh (actor, pop star)
K. U. Mohanan (cinematographer)
Marc Marder (composer)
Sources: Variety
