An Indian government panel has recommended that the film Satluj remain blocked from public access in India. The Inter-Departmental Committee cited national security risks linked to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and potential misuse by Pakistan. The movie, which had a brief OTT release, continues to draw crowds at village screenings in Punjab.
The film Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh, is based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. It depicts his death in police custody after his campaign to investigate disappearances during Punjab’s militancy period. The movie was released on the OTT platform ZEE5 on July 3 and pulled two days later.
The committee’s July 9 order, issued under Section 69A of the IT Act, noted that Khalistan-related propaganda and foreign-based separatist mobilisation remain concerns, with multiple pro-Khalistan organisations listed under the UAPA. It stated that the film could be used by hostile actors to spread a misleading narrative of Sikh oppression, adding that such misuse by Pakistan had already begun.
In Punjab villages, groups including the SGPC, Akali Dal and AAP have organised public screenings. Residents in places such as Jangpur and Gahour have gathered to watch the film, with many saying the dark days of the militancy era should never return. Khalra’s daughter Navkiran Kaur Khalra told The Indian Express that the attempt to stop the film has drawn more attention to the issues it raises.
