‘Sutlej’ released after 127 cuts controversy, banned within 48 hours, Khalda’s wife said – this is the original version

New Delhi. Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Punjab 95’, which was in controversy for a long time, which was later released as ‘Satluj’, finally reached the audience. After years of delays and censor disputes, the film was released on OTT platform ZEE5, but within 48 hours of it starting streaming, it was removed and the film was banned in India.

The special thing about the film was that it was released in the original version without any cuts. This information was shared by director Honey Trehan and actor Diljit Dosanjh. The film also received support from Jaswant Singh Khalda’s family. His wife Paramjit Kaur Khalda said that ‘Sutlej’, released on OTT, is the same original film, which was first shown to her family and which they approved. However, his statement was before the film was banned.

Paramjit Kaur Khalda posted on social media platform X expressing happiness that after years of difficulties, the film based on her husband’s life, struggle and fight for justice could reach the audience. He wrote that this was the original version that his family had first seen. According to him, despite all the pressure and efforts to make changes, the truth and original spirit of the film was retained.

He said that what was most important for him was that the story of Jaswant Singh Khalda be presented honestly without any compromise and without tampering with the facts.

In her post, Paramjit Kaur Khalda claimed that the case of more than 25 thousand unclaimed dead bodies and the legal battle of Jaswant Singh Khalda has been shown with complete truth in the film. He praised director Honey Trehan, saying that he did not compromise with the historical and artistic authenticity of the film despite immense pressure. Also expressed hope that this film will inspire people to think on issues like truth, justice, accountability and human rights.

On the release of #Punjab95 under the name of #Satluj pic.twitter.com/QASNh6Y9Fm

— Paramjit Kaur Khalra (@KaurKhalra) July 3, 2026

The film remained stuck in the censor process for years. According to director Honey Trehan, it was sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the year 2022, but the certificate was not received for almost three years. The makers claimed that the board had suggested 127 cuts in the film. Additionally, a proposed premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 was also canceled following objections from Indian authorities.

Honey Trehan had told that the Censor Board had also objected to the first title of the film ‘Gallughara’ and asked to remove ‘Inspired by True Events’ from the opening credits. After this the name of the film was changed to ‘Sutlej’ and it was released on the OTT platform.

Diljit Dosanjh has played the role of Jaswant Singh Khalda in the film. Apart from them, Kanwaljeet Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan are also seen in lead roles.

‘Sutlej’, released after many years of controversy, censor controversy and long wait, is once again in the center of discussion. However, the ban on the film shortly after its release in India has further increased the controversy.