Community Screenings Ignite Interest in Controversial Film
A film that was banned in India and removed from a streaming service shortly after its debut is gaining attention through community screenings across Canada, including planned events in Surrey, B.C. this weekend.
Satluj features Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, who portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra, a Sikh human rights activist known for investigating and raising awareness about human rights violations during Punjab’s separatist movement in the 1980s and 90s.
Gurpreet Singh, an independent journalist based in Delta, B.C., noted that India’s film censorship board had blocked the movie from being released for two to three years. After its launch on a streaming platform earlier this month, the film was taken down within 48 hours due to government orders citing security concerns, as reported by local media. This decision has sparked outrage within the community, intensifying interest from Sikhs worldwide, including those here in B.C.
“If the Indian government had allowed this movie to be shown, this backlash wouldn’t have happened,” Singh explained.
The Khalsa Schools of B.C. and Gurdwara Nanaksar in Surrey are both hosting screenings on Saturday. Last week, hundreds attended a showing at a gurdwara in Brampton, Ont., with another screening in Edmonton planned as well.
Gurminder Kaur Malik, who directs education at Khalsa Schools of B.C., shared that many alumni, parents, and students requested the nearly three-hour film. “We have an auditorium that seats about 330 people. It’s vital for us to foster discussions around various issues,” she said, emphasizing the importance of examining different perspectives and historical events.
Khalra’s Connection to Canada
Khalra visited Canada in 1995 to shed light on his findings and met with members of Parliament and the Sikh community in Ottawa, as stated by the World Sikh Organization of Canada. His famous speech, “I challenge the darkness,” given during his Canadian visit, is depicted in the film.
Malik pointed out that Khalra’s bravery in speaking out at great personal risk makes his story resonate with younger generations. “Listening to someone challenge darkness gives you goosebumps. Every life matters, and speaking up for justice is crucial, even in tough times,” she emphasized.
Sadly, Khalra was abducted shortly after returning to India and was killed in September 1995. Six police officers were later convicted for their involvement. In a tribute to Khalra, B.C. officially designated September 6 as Jaswant Singh Khalra Day last year.
Amrinder Singh, who is organizing the screening at Gurdwara Nanaksar, expects around 400 attendees this Saturday. “People are having great conversations about this film, which is based on true events,” he said.
Malik mentioned that interest has also come from those outside the Punjabi and Sikh communities, with requests for subtitled versions of the film. “There’s a lot of interest—and why not? Human rights advocacy is universal,” she noted.
The film’s Canadian appeal may also benefit from Dosanjh’s popularity, as he sold out Vancouver’s Rogers Arena in 2022 and attracted over 50,000 attendees at a recent concert at B.C. Place.
