Community screenings of Satluj, the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, have begun at gurudwaras across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Jammu after the film was removed from streaming platform ZEE5 within 48 hours of its July 3 release in India.
According to reports, gurudwara committees, with support from members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have come together to ensure the film continues to reach audiences despite its absence from OTT. In Delhi, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has backed the initiative, while its president Harmeet Singh Kalka has reiterated the demand for the film’s restoration on ZEE5.
The latest development follows growing public interest in the biographical drama, with community organisations describing the screenings as an effort to preserve awareness of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life and work.
Community-Led Screenings Expand
The screenings are being organised at gurudwaras and community spaces across five northern regions, with specific programmes already announced in several locations. In Jammu, the film is scheduled to be shown at four gurudwaras between July 10 and July 13, while a public screening has also been announced at Jaipur’s Baba Fateh Singh Auditorium in Chandi Ki Taksal Gurudwara.
According to people associated with the SGPC, the initiative reflects a collective decision by Sikh institutions to keep the story accessible after its removal from OTT platforms. One SGPC source was quoted as saying that the community did not want the story to disappear simply because it was unavailable online, adding that if audiences could not watch it digitally, gurudwaras would open their doors instead.
DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka also expressed support for the screenings and renewed his appeal for the film’s return to ZEE5, saying that Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story deserved to be seen and discussed. Meanwhile, Punjab AAP president Aman Arora said the state government would not oppose private screenings, clarifying that decisions regarding the film’s formal release rested elsewhere and that privately organised viewings would not be obstructed.
From OTT Release to Community Outreach
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj was completed nearly four years ago and is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented cases of alleged illegal killings and disappearances in Punjab during the militancy period. The film reportedly underwent a prolonged certification process after first being submitted under the title Ghallughara.
Reports state that the CBFC initially suggested 21 cuts and a title change to Punjab ’95, while a later revising committee reportedly recommended 127 cuts, including changes to the protagonist’s identity. The filmmakers did not accept these recommendations, delaying the film’s domestic release for years. The film eventually premiered in its uncut form on ZEE5 on July 3 but was removed within two days. Since then, Sikh organisations, community bodies and several public figures have voiced concern over the takedown, while a Public Interest Litigation seeking restoration of the film on the streaming platform has also been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The screenings at gurudwaras now represent the latest chapter in the film’s journey, allowing audiences to engage with the story through community gatherings rather than digital platforms.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Stories rooted in history often evoke diverse opinions and emotions, making it all the more important that conversations around them remain peaceful, informed and respectful. Community initiatives that encourage people to engage with historical narratives can create opportunities for dialogue, reflection and learning, provided they are conducted responsibly and with sensitivity towards differing perspectives.
At the same time, constructive discussions are best served when they prioritise facts, empathy and mutual respect over polarisation. As audiences continue to engage with Satluj through these community screenings, the focus can remain on understanding history while strengthening trust, harmony and democratic dialogue.
How can communities create safe spaces for meaningful conversations about difficult chapters of history while respecting different viewpoints?
