A Gurudwara in Hyderabad has announced a free public screening of Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj after it was removed from the OTT platform ZEE5 in India. The screening will be held on Sunday, July 12, at Gurudwara Saheb, Ameerpet and is open to the public.
The event is part of a nationwide initiative by Sikh institutions to keep the film accessible after its removal from streaming platforms. Similar screenings have been organised in Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Jammu.
Satluj, originally titled Punjab 95, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film has faced years of controversy over certification and content. After its digital release, the Central Government directed ZEE5 to remove the film, citing national security concerns under the Information Technology Rules.
The film has not been permanently banned by any court, but it is currently unavailable for streaming in India while its status is under review by an Inter Departmental Committee. The move has sparked widespread debate over censorship, artistic freedom and public interest.
The community screenings have also become controversial. Supporters argue that the film presents an important historical story and should remain accessible, while critics have opposed the screenings. A petition has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking to stop the public screenings, alleging they are unauthorised and could affect public order.
Organisers of the Hyderabad event said the screening is open to all members of the public, with refreshments to be served after the show in keeping with the Sikh tradition of community service (seva).
