RICHMOND HILL, N.Y. - Members of Queens' Sikh community gathered in Richmond Hill for a public park screening of Satluj, the long delayed film that has become the center of an international debate over censorship, historical memory, and artistic freedom.

The screening drew residents eager to watch the movie after years of controversy surrounding its release. Based on the true story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, Satluj chronicles his investigation into the alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and secret cremations that occurred during Punjab's insurgency in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Khalra documented thousands of cases before he was abducted and murdered in 1995. Several police officers were later convicted in connection with his killing.

Originally developed under the title Punjab '95, the film spent years in limbo after India's Central Board of Film Certification sought extensive changes before approving its release. Following a prolonged legal and regulatory battle, the film was ultimately released internationally under the new title Satluj. It briefly appeared on the streaming platform ZEE5 before becoming unavailable to viewers in India, reigniting criticism from free speech advocates and members of the Sikh community.

Supporters of the film argue that it tells the story of one of the darkest chapters in Punjab's modern history and gives voice to families who say they never received justice. Critics of the government's actions have described the film's release and subsequent removal as another example of censorship surrounding politically sensitive historical events. Indian authorities have maintained that certification decisions are made under existing law, while recent reports indicate officials are examining unauthorized public screenings.

The Richmond Hill screening reflected a growing movement among Sikh communities around the world to share the film through community events rather than traditional commercial distribution. Similar grassroots screenings have taken place in Punjab, where Sikh organizations transformed gurdwaras, village halls, and open spaces into makeshift theaters after the film became unavailable in India.

For many attendees in Richmond Hill, the evening was about more than watching a movie. It became an opportunity for older generations who lived through the period to share their experiences with younger community members born long after the violence ended. Organizers said the screening aimed to preserve historical memory and encourage discussion about a chapter of Sikh history that continues to resonate throughout the global diaspora.

As audiences continue to seek out Satluj, the film has evolved beyond a cinematic release into a broader conversation about historical accountability, censorship, and who gets to tell difficult stories from the past.