Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has supported Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Sutlej’, calling it a ‘deep wound’. After being removed from ZEE5, he has appealed to the authorities not to stop it from reaching the people.
New Delhi [भारत]July 7 (ANI): Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come out in support of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer ‘Sutlej’. Describing the film as a ‘deep wound’, he urged the authorities not to stop people from watching it. The film, directed by Honey Trehan, was released on ZEE5 on July 3, but was removed from the platform within two days.
Sharing a long note on X, Varma described ‘Sutlej’ as a film that leaves a lasting impact. He praised Diljit Dosanjh’s performance and said that the actor played his character with ‘quiet fury’ rather than a larger-than-life hero image. “Just watched ‘Sutlej’ and it’s not a film, but a deep wound that will never heal. It scrapes away the dirt from one of the darkest chapters of our history. This is cinema used as confrontation, where @diljitdosanjh acts with a quiet fury, without any chest-thumping heroism.. His only weapons are a laser (bahi) and a conscience. @rampalarjun Moral in institutional collusion “Adding layers of decay that look frighteningly realistic.”
RGV praised the film
Verma also praised director Honey Trehan for handling the subject matter with restraint rather than sensationalizing it. He said the film unfolds like a slow investigation, which makes its message even more powerful. “Instead of sensationalizing the horror, director @honeytrehan plays the film like a slow-burn investigative thriller through bureaucratic files, cremation records and hushed conversations. This restraint makes the brutality of the subject matter all the more effective as it bursts with the force of truth, not exploitation.”
Describing the message of the film as important, Verma said that ‘Sutlej’ raises difficult questions without preaching. He also said that the issues surrounding the film’s release show how powerful art can make people uncomfortable. “The philosophical essence of the film about how a democracy eats its own citizens and then tries to erase the evidence has been explored without being preachy and that is no mean feat. The various issues associated with its screening and publication prove that any art that makes the powerful uncomfortable has done its job, and that is the true purpose of true art, which is ‘Sutlej’,” he added.
‘Don’t encounter Sutlej’
The filmmaker described ‘Sutlej’ as “courageous” and “essential filmmaking”. Appealing to the authorities, he said that instead of preventing the film from reaching the audience, it should be seen and debated. “This is deeply courageous and essential filmmaking as it disturbs, educates, and lingers. At a time when mainstream cinema pursues spectacle and popcorn cinema, ‘Sutlej’ serves as a stark reminder of what the medium of cinema can truly achieve when faced with truth and honesty.”
“‘Sutlej’ is a film that deserves to be seen, shown, discussed and debated, not ‘encountered’ like the film’s victims. I appeal to all powers, please do not do to ‘Sutlej’ what was done to Jaswant Singh Kalra. Trying to hide the truth hurts even more. — Ayn Rand.”
The ministry gave the reason for removal
Earlier, the Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry had said that the film was released on the OTT platform without completing the necessary certification process. According to ministry officials, instead of following the certification process, the makers changed the title of the film and released it directly on an OTT platform. The ministry also claimed that the certification body had recommended around 100 cuts in the film. She further stated that she had not received any requests for approval or reconsideration from the filmmakers before release.
ZEE5 and Diljit’s statement
Confirming the removal of the film, ZEE5 said in an official statement on Sunday, “In light of the current developments, ‘Sutlej’ will not be available in India until further notice. We are committed to exploring every appropriate opportunity through the due process to bring the film back to our audiences as soon as possible.”
Hours after the film was removed, Diljit Dosanjh spoke on the issue during a live Instagram interaction on Monday, saying that the incident was not unexpected. “My love and respect to you all. It’s exactly what I expected. I thought the film might be banned on Monday when the offices opened, but I didn’t know it would happen on Sunday evening itself,” the actor said.
Despite its removal, Dosanjh expressed satisfaction that audiences have already seen the film. “But now I am satisfied that at least our work has reached people the way we wanted. People have already downloaded it. One thing that made me particularly happy was to see that they are also screening the film with a projector at Gurudwara Sahib. I was very happy to see this,” he said.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and McGuffin Pictures, ‘Sutlej’ also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljeet Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)