New Delhi [India], July 7 : Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come out in support of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, calling the film a "deep wound" and urging authorities not to stop people from watching it.
The film, directed by Honey Trehan, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was taken down from the platform within two days.
Sharing a long note on X, Varma described Satluj as a film that leaves a lasting impact. He praised Diljit Dosanjh's performance and said the actor portrays his character with "quiet fury" rather than the image of a larger-than-life hero.
"Just saw SATLUJ and it is not a film , but a deep wound that will never heal. It stirs up the sludge in one of the darkest chapters of our history This is cinema used as confrontation , where @diljitdosanjh acts with a quiet fury with no chest thumping heroism.. His only weapons are a ledger and a conscience. @rampalarjun adds layers of moral rot in the institutional complicity that feels chillingly realistic."
Varma also praised director Honey Trehan for handling the subject with restraint instead of making it sensational. He said the film unfolds like a slow investigation, making its message even more powerful.
"Director @honeytrehan instead of sensationalising the horror unfolds 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 hit that much harder because it explodes with the force of truth and not exploitation."
Calling the film's message an important one, Varma said Satluj explores difficult questions without becoming preachy. He also said the issues surrounding the film's release show how powerful art can make people uncomfortable.
"The philosophical core of the film about how a democracy devours its own citizens and then tries to erase the evidence is explored without any preachiness and that's no normal achievement. The various issues surrounding its exhibition and publication prove that any art which makes the powerful uncomfortable has done its job, and that is the true purpose of true art , which SATLUJ is," he added.
The filmmaker further described Satluj as "courageous" and "essential filmmaking". Appealing to authorities, he said the film should be seen and debated instead of being stopped from reaching audiences.
"It is highly courageous essential filmmaking because it unsettles, educates, and lingers . In the times where main stream chases spectacle and popcorn cinema , SUTLEJ shoots out a hard reminder of what cinematic medium can truly achieve when it takes on truth and honesty."
https://x.com/RGVzoomin/status/2074370672625881127
"SATLUJ is a film that has to be seen , shown, discussed, debated and not ENCOUNTERED like the victims in the film My appeal to all the powers is , please don't do to SATLUJ what has been done to JASWANT SINGH KALRA TRUTH HITS HARDER when one tries to HIDE IT . -- AYN RAND."
Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) said the film was released on the OTT platform without completing the required certification process. According to ministry officials, instead of following the certification process, the makers changed the film's title and released it directly on an OTT platform.
The ministry also claimed that the certification body had recommended nearly 100 cuts to the film. It further said it had not received any request from the filmmakers seeking approval or reconsideration before the release.
Confirming the removal, ZEE5 said in an official statement on Sunday, "In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity."
Hours after the film was taken down, Diljit Dosanjh addressed the issue during a live Instagram interaction on Monday, saying the development was not unexpected. "My love and respect to all of you. What I had already expected is exactly what happened. I thought the film might get banned when offices will open on Monday, but I didn't know it would happen as early as Sunday evening," the actor said.
Despite the removal, Dosanjh expressed satisfaction that audiences had already watched the film. "But now I have the satisfaction that at least our work has reached people the way we wanted it to. People have already downloaded it. One thing that made me especially happy was seeing that they're even screening the movie with a projector at Gurudwara Sahib. It brought me immense joy to see that," he said.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, 'Satluj' also stars Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.