Annu Kapoor has reacted to the controversy around Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj. The 70-year-old supported the government’s stance and urged filmmakers to pursue legal remedies rather than public sympathy. The actor’s comments come after the film was removed from the streaming platform ZEE5, two days after its release, sparking a debate within the film industry and on social media around censorship, creative freedom, and artistic expression. Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj also stars Kanwaljit Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles. It is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who fought against alleged fake encounters and illegal mass cremations during the days of militancy in Punjab.
Annu Kapoor wants filmmakers to go to Supreme Court
In a recent interview with Kadak, questioned why the filmmakers were making the issue a public campaign when there were legal options available. “You made your stand, but there are rules and regulations,” Kapoor said, further adding, “If the censor board has denied permission, then why upload it?”
Diljit Dosanjh in Satluj
Actor called it ‘self-pity’
The actor said that filmmakers know very well that a project has controversial subject matter, and that they should approach the judiciary if they feel they have been treated unfairly. “Filmmakers know these issues can be controversial, yet they come out asking for sympathy. Is this self-pity? You should approach the Supreme Court instead. Why are you crying about it? Why complain?” he said.
According to Annu Kapoor, there is a “proper legal channel” available, thus there is “no need to cry about it publicly.” He added that such disputes should be resolved in courts, not in the “court of public opinion.”
Annu Kapoor has supported Satluj getting removed from ZEE5
Artists should have their own opinions
Kapoor was also asked in the same interview whether artists should stay away from politics. He replied, “We are products of our political, social, religious, and financial circumstances,” hence, each of us is entitled to an opinion. He opined that, despite such a scenario, “some people want to create a controversy on purpose.”
Satluj controversy
which was first titled Punjab ’95, had run into problems way before it hit the theatres. The makers had earlier claimed that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had asked for 127 cuts before certifying. Its planned debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival was also cancelled amid reported objections from Indian authorities.
Satluj was taken down from ZEE5
Despite these setbacks, Satluj finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 with no promotional campaign. But soon after, the movie was pulled down. Later, it was also removed from the international catalogue of the platform. The IMDb rating page of the film was also no longer available.
Diljit Dosanjh’s reaction
During an Instagram Live session, lead actor Diljit Dosanjh had hinted that he was expecting the film to be taken off. He appealed to those who had a chance to watch the show to share the story with others.