Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj', formerly 'Punjab 95', streams on ZEE5 after CBFC battle
Synopsis
Years after being blocked by censors under the title 'Punjab 95', Diljit Dosanjh's most politically charged film has quietly landed on ZEE5. 'Satluj' tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented over 25,000 disappearances during Punjab's insurgency era — and was allegedly killed for it. Its OTT release, bypassing a theatrical CBFC clearance, marks a significant moment for Indian cinema's engagement with uncomfortable history.
Key Takeaways
Diljit Dosanjh 's film 'Satluj' (formerly 'Punjab 95' ) has released on ZEE5 on 3 July after a prolonged CBFC censorship battle.
The film is inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra , who documented over 25,000 missing persons during Punjab's counter-insurgency period.
Khalra was reportedly tortured and killed by police personnel to suppress his findings.
The film is directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures .
The cast includes Arjun Rampal , Kanwaljit Singh , Suvinder Vicky , and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan .
Diljit Dosanjh's long-delayed film 'Satluj' — formerly titled 'Punjab 95' — has finally released on ZEE5 on 3 July, ending a protracted censorship struggle that kept the film out of public view for years. The film centres on human rights violations by the Punjab Police during their counter-insurgency operations in the state.
The Story at the Heart of 'Satluj'
The film draws inspiration from the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented the cases of over 25,000 missing persons allegedly disappeared during Punjab's period of conflict and unrest. Khalra was reportedly tortured and killed by police personnel in an effort to suppress his findings — a fate the film portrays with unflinching honesty, according to the filmmakers.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, the film also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
What Diljit Dosanjh Said
Dosanjh, who essays the lead role inspired by Khalra, said: '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.'
He added: 'As an artiste, opportunities to be part of such meaningful stories are rare... 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 ZEE5 and connect with a story that is both deeply personal and truly a must-watch for all.'
Director Honey Trehan on the Long Wait
Trehan said: 'From the very beginning, our intention was to tell this story 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.'
He added that the film draws inspiration from the life of the 'great martyr Jaswant Singh' and expressed relief that it is now reaching audiences on ZEE5.
The CBFC Battle and What It Represents
The film's journey to release has been anything but straightforward. Originally titled 'Punjab 95', it faced a prolonged stand-off with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), making it one of the more high-profile censorship cases in recent Indian cinema. This comes amid a broader debate in the industry about creative freedom and the scope of certification authority.
Notably, Dosanjh's remarks about art and responsibility arrive alongside his recent stated decision to distance himself from the political satire movement Cockroach Janta Party, signalling a deliberate choice to engage with social issues through cinema rather than overt political commentary.
Where and How to Watch
The Hindi version of 'Satluj' is now available to stream exclusively on ZEE5. The film's OTT release ensures it reaches audiences globally, including the large Punjabi diaspora that has followed the project's troubled road to release with considerable interest.
Point of View
Not a resolution. The Khalra story — 25,000 missing persons, a lone activist, and alleged state-sponsored silencing — is precisely the kind of history that tests the limits of creative freedom in India. The industry and civil society should be asking why it took this long, not simply celebrating that it arrived at all.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film 'Satluj' about?
'Satluj' is a drama inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented over 25,000 cases of missing persons during Punjab's counter-insurgency period. The film portrays his relentless pursuit of justice and his alleged torture and killing by police personnel to suppress his findings.
Why was 'Punjab 95' renamed 'Satluj'?
The film was originally titled 'Punjab 95' but faced a prolonged censorship dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It has now been released under the title 'Satluj' on ZEE5, though the specific reasons for the name change have not been publicly detailed by the makers.
Where can I watch 'Satluj' starring Diljit Dosanjh?
'Satluj' is available to stream on ZEE5 in Hindi. It released digitally on 3 July, making it accessible to audiences in India and internationally.
Who directed 'Satluj' and who else is in the cast?
The film is directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures. Apart from Diljit Dosanjh in the lead, the cast includes Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra?
Jaswant Singh Khalra was a Punjab-based human rights activist who documented the cases of over 25,000 persons who allegedly disappeared during the state's counter-insurgency operations. He was reportedly abducted, tortured, and killed by police personnel — allegedly to prevent him from exposing the scale of the human rights violations.
