Diljit Dosanjh’s 'Satluj' Released Uncut After 3-Year CBFC Standoff

MUMBAI — After nearly three years in regulatory limbo, the film Satluj—starring Diljit Dosanjh and directed by Honey Trehan—has been released on the streaming platform ZEE5. The biographical drama, which explores the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on July 3, 2026, marking the end of a protracted conflict with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Despite the long delay and intense pressure to modify its content, both the lead actor and the director have confirmed that the film is being presented in its original, intended form, with no scenes or dialogues removed.

A Three-Year Struggle Against Censorship

The project, which initially went by the working titles Ghallughara and Punjab '95, faced significant hurdles upon its submission to the CBFC in 2022. According to director Honey Trehan, the board requested as many as 127 modifications, ranging from altering the lead character’s name and removing references to the Punjab Police to deleting specific visual elements like the Indian flag.

For years, the production was caught in a cycle of revisions, resubmissions, and silence from regulatory authorities. The film’s theatrical release, which had been planned for February 2025, failed to materialize as the certification process remained deadlocked. Additionally, the film was abruptly withdrawn from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, with reports at the time citing potential political pressures.

Standing Firm on Artistic Integrity

During an Instagram Live session held on Friday following the film's silent digital drop, Diljit Dosanjh addressed concerns regarding whether the makers had eventually capitulated to the board's demands.

"Our film has finally been released on ZEE5," Dosanjh stated. "Unfortunately, we couldn't keep the original title Punjab '95 for certain reasons, so it is now called Satluj. But there are absolutely no cuts in the film. The version I watched in theatres two years ago is exactly the same one I watched at home last week. If even a single cut had been made, I would not have promoted the film."

Director Honey Trehan reaffirmed this position, noting that he had previously vowed to remove his own name from the project rather than compromise the integrity of the narrative. He highlighted that Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the wife of the late activist depicted in the film, confirmed that the released version remained true to the original vision.

Why It Matters: Implications for Independent Cinema

The resolution of the Satluj case highlights the ongoing friction between filmmakers and India’s film certification board. The decision to forgo a theatrical release in favor of an uncut digital premiere marks a significant strategic move, allowing the filmmakers to bypass traditional theatrical certification mandates that had stalled the project. For observers of Indian cinema, the film serves as a case study in the challenges of producing biographical works that touch upon sensitive historical and political events.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Original Title: The film was previously known as Ghallughara and Punjab '95.

• Regulatory Hurdles: The CBFC reportedly requested 127 modifications, including changes to names, symbols, and dialogue.

• Release Format: The movie opted for a direct-to-digital release on ZEE5 to ensure the film could be shown without cuts.

• Subject Matter: The story is inspired by the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who investigated the disappearance of thousands during the 1980s and 90s.

FAQ

Q: Is the version of Satluj on ZEE5 edited?

A: No. According to lead actor Diljit Dosanjh and director Honey Trehan, the version streaming on ZEE5 is the original, uncut version of the film.

Q: Why was the title changed from Punjab '95?

A: While the creators did not specify the exact reason, they confirmed it was a necessary concession to secure the release. The new title, Satluj, is named after the river that flows through Punjab.

Q: Did the producers agree to the 127 cuts demanded by the CBFC?

A: No. The filmmakers consistently refused to implement the majority of the requested changes, leading to the decision to bypass a theatrical release in India, which requires specific certification, in favor of a digital platform.

Source: The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, ETV Bharat