The Diljit Dosanjh film Satluj was anticipated as another portrayal of Punjab’s difficult history. Instead, it has become the focus of a political dispute months before the 2027 state assembly elections.
The movie has returned the topic of separatist militancy to election discussions, forcing all parties to position themselves so that the memories it evokes work to their advantage.
No party in Punjab has opposed the film, which was finished in 2022, never shown in cinemas, and briefly appeared on a streaming service for 48 hours before removal. Yet several leaders have adopted careful language in their remarks.
From the governing Aam Aadmi Party to the opposition Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, each group is seeking a suitable stance as attention shifts from the movie itself to the surrounding politics. The issue has revived painful recollections for many Sikh families and created new political movement as parties prepare their messages for the assembly polls.
The story, centred on the Khalistan militancy period and alleged fake encounters involving Sikh youth, has resonated emotionally across Punjab. Its withdrawal from the Zee5 platform prompted accusations, rebuttals and calls for reinstatement. While the discussion concerns a difficult chapter in the state’s past, parties are making their own electoral assessments.
For the ruling AAP, the film offers another chance to criticise both Congress and the Akali Dal. State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the movie had highlighted the record of both parties, accusing Congress of involvement in the deaths of innocent youths and noting that SAD and BJP had promoted police officers linked to those events.
The Akalis have chosen to screen the film in villages throughout Punjab. Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the move aims to ensure future generations remember the events of the Congress period and that the episode will not be forgotten.
This occurs as the panthic political space is no longer held solely by SAD. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Punjab returned two MPs associated with radical Sikh politics. Since then, Waris Punjab De has sought to broaden its presence.
A senior SAD leader said the release would harm Congress and could assist Waris Punjab De in limited areas, yet overall would benefit the Akali Dal as a panthic party.
Congress has responded most cautiously. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said he would comment only after viewing the film. Former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi stated that the movie should not be banned if it reflects the truth.
Internally, Congress recognises the difficulty. The events occurred under Congress governments in Punjab. Some leaders believe public memory is short, while others note the emotional weight of the subject. One leader questioned how the killing of a former chief minister credited with ending militancy could be justified.
The BJP has also addressed claims linking the central government to the film’s removal. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said the decision rested with the platform, not the Centre.
The controversy has sharpened political exchanges in Punjab. It follows the AAP government’s promotion of a monthly assistance scheme for women and the Akal Takht’s criticism of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
