BollywoodLife has an X/audience reaction article in Hindi, not a formal critic review. The coverage says netizens were emotional after watching the film and called it a masterpiece.

Filmibeat.com notes that the film released on ZEE5 on July 3, 2026 after years of delay, explains the CBFC controversy and 127 cuts issue, and rounds up viewer reactions praising Diljit, Arjun Rampal and the film’s emotional impact.

India TV News calls Satluj a haunting biographical crime-drama where Diljit Dosanjh strengthens Honey Trehan’s film with a quiet, sincere performance. The review says the film chooses restraint over spectacle, focusing on truth, courage, and the cost of speaking up. It also notes that Arjun Rampal has limited screen time but leaves an impact.

Hindustan Times calls it a punch to the gut political drama and says the uncut release lets the story land with full force. The review says the film follows Khalra’s discovery of illegal cremations and police atrocities with sharpness and emotional force. It praises Diljit, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, Kanwaljit Singh and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.

Koimoi.com says viewers who watched Satluj before it was pulled from ZEE5 called it gut wrenching, emotional, historic, and a powerful tribute to Jaswant Singh Khalra. It highlights strong audience praise for Diljit Dosanjh’s performance and Honey Trehan’s honest storytelling

Bollywood Hungama says Satluj brings a deeply disturbing true story to screen with remarkable sensitivity. It praises the gripping investigation portions, sharp dialogues, and Honey Trehan’s straightforward direction. Diljit is called sincere and heartfelt.

Saibal Chatterjee calls Satluj an unmissable political film that “pulls no punches.” The review praises its urgent portrait of police excess, political oppression and democratic backsliding. It says the film is difficult to watch but impossible to look away from, and praises Diljit Dosanjh.

The review says Trehan avoids easy binaries, making the film pro-accountability and pro-Constitution rather than simply anti state or anti-police. Diljit is praised for a career best restrained performance,

Shubhra Gupta calls it a clear win for filmmakers telling the story of a real person, place and time with conviction. The review says the opening sequence immediately sets a chilling tone, and Diljit’s performance gives the film its real strength.

Calls Satluj a tense, haunting and emotionally draining investigative thriller. The review says Honey Trehan builds dread slowly through silence, fear and revelations, while the film confronts Punjab’s dark chapter without sensationalism.