After spending four years caught in censorship hurdles, "Satluj", previously known as Punjab '95, has finally been released on Zee5, drawing widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and uncompromising portrayal of political oppression and human rights abuses.
Directed by Honey Trehan, the film explores the dark chapter of Punjab's militancy era in the 1980s and 1990s. Critics have described it as a hard-hitting political drama that examines how state institutions and police can violate the very laws they are meant to uphold.
The film is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated cases of disappearances, illegal detentions and mass cremations in Punjab before he himself disappeared in the mid-1990s. While the film changes some names, its central story remains largely faithful to real events.
The story follows Jaswant, played by Diljit Dosanjh, a bank employee whose search for a missing friend uncovers evidence of widespread human rights violations. His investigation leads him to police stations, morgues and crematoriums, where he discovers records of hundreds of unidentified bodies, exposing a much larger pattern of abuse.
Despite threats from authorities and political leaders, Jaswant continues his investigation with the support of his wife Paramjit, portrayed by Geeta Vidya Ohlyan. His childhood friend, police constable Satnam Singh, played by Saurabh Sachdeva, secretly helps him by sharing information, despite putting his own life at risk.
The film also features Suvinder Vicky as a ruthless senior police officer accused of abusing power in the name of fighting militancy. One of the film's most praised scenes shows the officer intimidating Satnam's family, highlighting the fear and misuse of authority during the period.
Arjun Rampal plays a senior Central Bureau of Investigation officer who arrives from Delhi to investigate Jaswant's disappearance, while Varun Badola appears as a lawyer representing families seeking justice for victims of alleged extrajudicial killings.
Reviewers say the film offers a disturbing but compelling look at the dangers of unchecked state power and the erosion of democratic values. Although some parts are considered slightly longer than necessary, the film has been praised for its gripping narrative, strong performances and emotional impact.
Diljit Dosanjh's performance has received particular acclaim for portraying Jaswant with restraint, determination and quiet courage. Critics say he fully immerses himself in the role, allowing the story rather than his star image to remain at the centre of the film.
Despite its title change from Punjab '95 to Satluj, reviewers say the film has retained its original message and emotional strength, making it one of the year's most significant political dramas.
Source: NDTV