The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has declared plans to organise screenings of the film Satluj, featuring Diljit Dosanjh, across various locations in Punjab. This initiative is expected to heighten the ongoing political debate surrounding the film’s removal from streaming services in India. According to the party’s statement, the goal is to educate younger audiences about significant historical events affecting the Sikh community.

SAD emphasised that Satluj narrates the life and sacrifices of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, shedding light on the alleged extrajudicial killings of many Sikh youths during the turbulence of Punjab’s militancy period. The film is presented as a vital narrative concerning the sufferings experienced by the Sikh population following Operation Blue Star and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots in 1984.

The party maintains that the political climate at the time subjected Sikh demonstrators advocating against these injustices to brutal measures, including staged police encounters. SAD articulated concerns that there are efforts underway to obscure this tragic chapter of history from public memory.

Background to the Controversy Surrounding Satluj

Originally titled Punjab ’95, the film directed by Honey Trehan faced prolonged challenges in obtaining certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The production team claimed that the board required numerous cuts to be made before granting the necessary approvals. Ultimately, after extensive delays, Satluj was released on the streaming platform ZEE5 in its unedited version on July 3. However, less than two days later, the film was withdrawn from the India catalogue, attributed to unspecified “current developments,” although ZEE5 expressed support for the makers.

As the situation evolved, government sources revealed that the film had been made available without completing the essential certification process, prompting the Centre to refer the situation to an Inter-Departmental Committee under the Information Technology Rules. The committee is entrusted with evaluating the film and determining appropriate subsequent actions. While the film remains accessible to international viewers on ZEE5 Global, it is no longer available for Indian audiences.

SAD has voiced strong opposition to the removal of Satluj, asserting that it transcends the boundaries of a biographical film and serves as a critical historical documentation of Sikh struggles. The Akali Dal’s initiative to showcase the film through public screenings aims to preserve the memory of these events despite limitations on its availability within the country.

Future Implications for the Film and Screening Initiatives

The reaction from SAD highlights the intersection of politics, culture, and historical remembrance in Punjab. By facilitating community screenings of Satluj, the party aims to engage local populations and foster discussions about the issues and events portrayed in the film. They insist that the current removal measures reflect broader attempts to suppress important narratives concerning the Sikh community.

This initiative comes at a time of heightened sensitivity surrounding the portrayal of historical injustices, particularly those related to the Sikh community. The film, revolving around Khalra, who was known for documenting illegal activities during the peak of Punjab’s insurgency, has resonated deeply within certain sections of society. It cements the need for accessible mediums through which these stories can be told and understood.

In this context, SAD’s push to screen Satluj across Punjab signifies not only their commitment to memory but also presents an opportunity for dialogue surrounding past grievances. The party’s leadership aimed to mobilise greater awareness among the populace and ensure that pivotal historical accounts are not relegated to obscurity. The approach may also spur discussions about freedom of expression within the realm of Indian cinema and art.

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