Three years after clashing with India’s censor board, ‘Satluj’, Honey TrehanThe drama that chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, which finally aired on OTT platforms worldwide on July 3, has been released completely uncut.
‘Satluj’ cast, plot and trailer
The official trailer for ‘Satluj’ (previously known as ‘Punjab ’95’) introduces a gripping, deeply emotional biographical drama directed by Honey Trehan. Inspired by real events, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh as legendary human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, co Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky. Set against the dark backdrop of insurgency-era Punjab, the trailer previews a relentless search for the truth as an ordinary man risks his life to uncover the gruesome truth behind over 25,000 mysterious disappearances. Featuring a serious and sad tone, it highlights a powerful struggle for justice against systemic corruption and silenced voices.
Satluj’s journey through censor certification
The film, which is now available on ZEE5 Global, went through three different titles before finally reaching the audiences. It began as ‘Ghallughara’, a term rooted in history, referring to the Sikh massacres of 1746, 1762 and 1984. In late 2022, RSVP put the film up for certification by India’s Central Board of Film Certification. Six months later, the board cleared it, but with 21 cuts imposed and the title changed to ‘Punjab ’95’. RSVP took the case to the Bombay High Court to challenge the decision. At the same time, the film’s gala premiere slot at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival fell through, and it was removed from the lineup.
Director why the film is now called ‘Satluj’
As reported by Variety India, Trehan said, “We will not get the previous title of the film. The current title is ‘Satluj’. This is the complete film, without any cuts or compromises, in its original form as we always intended. It would not have been possible without Diljit paji and our producers and their will to stand for its integrity. As Diljit Paji and I have said before, we will not endorse a compromised version of the film.“
Diljit Dosanjh to play Khalra in ‘Satluj’
Dosanjh, who portrays Khalra, shared, “The martyrdom of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji and his contribution to humanity is the main reason I chose to be a part of this film. I feel a strong sense of responsibility in the film and am committed to portraying an inspiring character with truth, honesty, and utmost respect.”
The previous work of the ‘Satluj’ team
Trehan is also known for the 2020 thriller ‘Raat Akeli Hai’ and its 2025 sequel, ‘Raat Akeli Hai. The Bansal Murders’. Suvinder Vicky appeared in the series ‘Kohrra’, as well as ‘The Fourth Direction’, which played in Cannes, and ‘Milestone’, which played in Venice.
