Diljit Dosanjh's Most Controversial Film Finally Released, Premieres on ZEE5 as 'Satluj'

After years of uncertainty and repeated delays, Diljit Dosanjh's much awaited film 'Punjab '95' has finally been released in India under the new title 'Satluj' . The film premiered on ZEE5 on Friday, ending a long and controversial journey that kept it away from audiences for more than three years.

Directed by Honey Trehan , the film is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra , who exposed the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994 . Khalra later disappeared in 1995, and four Punjab Police personnel were eventually convicted in his abduction and murder case.

The film had become one of the most talked about unreleased projects after reportedly facing objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) , which sought 127 cuts . It was also dropped from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023 lineup without any official explanation. A planned worldwide release in February 2025 also failed to materialise.

Expressing his happiness over the release, Diljit Dosanjh said portraying Jaswant Singh Khalra has been one of the most meaningful experiences of his career. He added that Khalra's courage, sacrifice and service to humanity inspired him to be part of the film.

Director Honey Trehan said the team always wanted to tell the story with honesty and sensitivity. Speaking to Variety , he confirmed that 'Satluj' is streaming in its original version without any cuts or compromises .

Produced by Ronnie Screwvala , Honey Trehan and Abhishek Chaubey , the film also stars Arjun Rampal , Kanwaljit Singh , Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan . With its long awaited release, 'Satluj' is expected to spark conversations for both its powerful subject and its remarkable journey to the screen.