Filmmakers Ram Gopal Verma, Anurag Kashyap back Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj after ZEE5 ban

The removal of Diljit Dosanjh's much-delayed film Satluj (earlier titled Punjab 95) from ZEE5 in India has triggered strong reactions from the film fraternity. While filmmaker Anurag Kashyap questioned the decision to take down the film and urged people to watch it, director Ram Gopal Verma praised the Honey Trehan directorial, calling it a courageous work of cinema that confronts uncomfortable truths.

The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on ZEE5 as Satluj before being removed from the platform in India within days of its release.

Ram Gopal Verma backs Satluj, praises Honey Trehan and Diljit Dosanjh

Even as Satluj remains unavailable on ZEE5 in India, filmmaker Honey Trehan received strong backing from director Ram Gopal Verma. After Trehan thanked Verma for appreciating the film, the veteran filmmaker replied that it was the audience who should be grateful to the director.

Trehan had earlier written that Varma's appreciation was an honour and encouraging for filmmakers like him. He also thanked producer Ronnie Screwvala and actor Diljit Dosanjh for their unwavering support.

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…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 7, 2026

Sharing his review of the film, Ram Gopal Verma wrote:

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

After that Honey Trehan thanked him for his words, Ram Gopal Verma responded that it was the viewers who should be thanking the filmmaker for making "such a powerful and eye-opening film."

Anurag Kashyap reacts to Satluj ban

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also reacted strongly after Satluj was removed from ZEE5. Taking to Instagram Stories, Kashyap questioned the decision and said banning a film only increases public curiosity.

Sharing a screenshot of ZEE5's official statement announcing that the film was no longer available in India, Kashyap wrote:

"The thing about banning something is that the more you ban something, the more people want to watch it. I was not even planning to watch this film but now I will have to watch to understand why it got banned."

In another Instagram Story promoting the film, the filmmaker urged audiences to watch it even if it meant accessing pirated copies. "Plz sab log dekho, pirate karo par dekho (sic)."

Earlier, he had also reposted a message on Instagram that read:

"The thing about banning something is that the more you ban something, the more people want to watch it. I was not even planning to watch this film, but now I will have to watch it to understand why it got banned."

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ZEE5 issues statement after removing Satluj

Following the film's removal, ZEE5 issued an official statement thanking audiences for their support while reaffirming its faith in the project.

"The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose to subscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life," the platform said.

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Reaffirming its support for the film, ZEE5 added, "At ZEE5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling has the ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committed to championing authentic and meaningful narratives."

The removal of Satluj has sparked widespread debate online, with several filmmakers, actors and public figures questioning the decision and expressing support for the Honey Trehan directorial starring Diljit Dosanjh.

- PTC PUNJABI