Chandigarh: In the villages of Punjab, the film Satluj — starring Diljit Dosanjh and based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra — is experiencing a remarkable second life through community-driven screenings, weeks after it was abruptly removed from the OTT platform ZEE5.
As reported by independent news source, screenings are being organised across numerous districts including Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Rajpura, Gurdaspur, Barnala, Bathinda, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. These events often take place in village community spaces or even within gurdwara premises, turning the film into a shared public experience rather than a solitary streaming watch.
Grassroots Organising
There is no central organiser behind the movement. Instead, local sports clubs, gurdwara committees, volunteers, and non-resident Indians (NRIs) are pooling resources to arrange LED screens, sound systems, seating, and refreshments such as Rooh Afza and coolers for the audiences. Announcements are frequently made through gurdwara loudspeakers, with screenings typically beginning in the evening after villagers return from work.
In many locations, attendees remove their shoes and cover their heads when screenings are held inside gurdwara complexes, blending cultural reverence with cinematic viewing. Families attend together, with children in front rows and elders seated at the back, creating a communal atmosphere.
The trend gained momentum after an initial community screening in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, which even caught the attention of Diljit Dosanjh. It has since spread rapidly across Punjab, with recent screenings reported in villages such as Sarai Majra, Balian, Chak Sarain, Mehraj, Rajoana, Khehra Sultan, Hathur, Nangli, Manawan, Kishanpur, Lehal Kalan, Wareh, Bharowal, Sangheri, Smalsar, and Thikriwala. In Moga town, the film was screened in the main market area.
Local residents and organisers like Prabh Deol, who hosted a screening at his banquet hall in Balian, have noted an overwhelming response. Equipment providers report surging demand, with some offering services at minimal cost to support the screenings.
Film’s Troubled Journey
Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan, tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented alleged extra-judicial killings and illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period in the 1990s. Khalra was abducted and murdered in 1995, with several Punjab Police personnel later convicted in the case.
The film faced a prolonged four-year battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before its release. Originally titled Punjab ‘95, it was eventually released on ZEE5 earlier this month under the name Satluj, only to be taken down within days. The platform cited “current developments” and said it was exploring legal options.
The removal sparked widespread debate, with reactions from politicians, Sikh organisations, civil rights groups, and the film industry. The Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib strongly criticised the decision as an attack on freedom of expression. In response, the central government has formed a committee to examine the matter following representations from Punjab BJP leaders.
Social Media Amplification
Punjabi bloggers and social media users have actively promoted the screenings on Facebook and Instagram. The full film and clips have also circulated privately after being downloaded during its brief availability on the platform. Dosanjh himself had encouraged fans to watch it through available links shortly after its removal.
The organic, community-led resurgence of Satluj highlights the strong local interest in stories rooted in Punjab’s complex history and reflects a determined grassroots effort to ensure the film reaches its intended audience despite platform decisions.