Former cricketer and MP Harbhajan Singh on Sunday reviewed Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj and called it a must-watch, saying “Truth cannot remain buried forever”. The film, earlier titled Punjab ’95, has recently been released on ZEE5. It tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
In a long note on X, Harbhajan shared that the film had received a 9.7 rating on IMDb and then reflected on the subject of the film. The 46-year-old praised director Honey Trehan and actor Diljit Dosanjh for bringing Khalra’s story to the world.
Harbhajan wrote, “Jallianwala Bagh stands as one of history’s greatest massacres. It was carried out by a colonial regime. But the question that haunts me after watching Jaswant Singh Khalra is different:” He then added, “What is more painful than oppression by an outsider? When those entrusted to protect their own people are accused of becoming the
He went on to write, “A police officer’s duty is to protect innocent lives—not to abuse power. Khalra’s courage exposed evidence of alleged illegal disappearances and secret cremations, reminding us that the abuse of state power can leave wounds that last for generations (sic).” Harbhajan also said that Punjab’s mothers were still waiting for answers and that many families were still waiting for justice.
He ended his note by writing, “Many families are still waiting for justice. Truth cannot remain buried forever. Outstanding work by @HoneyTrehan and @diljitdosanjh for bringing the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra to the world. His courage deserves to be remembered (sic).”
The road to release
Satluj had been delayed for years before its release on streaming. The film remained stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after it was reportedly asked to undergo multiple cuts. Reports had suggested that the board had sought more than 100 edits, including changes to the film’s title, references to Punjab and the identity of the real-life protagonist.
Director Honey Trehan and the producers had maintained that the film was based on documented events. The dispute led to a prolonged stalemate and also affected the film’s festival run, with it being withdrawn ahead of its scheduled premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Inspired by Khalra’s life, the film follows his pursuit of justice during a dark chapter in Punjab’s history. It stars Diljit in the lead, alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
– Ends
