Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj, criticizing its sudden removal from ZEE5 and arguing that banning a film often has the opposite effect of what authorities intend.
Known for being an outspoken advocate of creative freedom, Kashyap took to social media after ZEE5 announced that the film would no longer be available for streaming in India. Sharing a screenshot of the platform’s official statement, the filmmaker questioned the logic behind restricting access to art.
“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,” Kashyap wrote.
His remarks quickly drew attention online, adding another prominent voice to the ongoing debate over censorship and artistic expression. The controversy surrounding Satluj has been brewing for years. Originally titled Punjab ’95, the film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and has faced repeated hurdles before reaching audiences.
The biographical drama was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022, where it reportedly encountered significant objections. According to reports, the board sought as many as 127 cuts before considering certification, sparking criticism from members of the film fraternity and free speech advocates. The challenges did not end there. The movie was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening was eventually cancelled following objections from Indian authorities, delaying its international debut as well.
In a surprise move on July 3, the film quietly arrived on ZEE5 under its new title, Satluj. Unlike previous expectations, the version uploaded on the platform was reportedly uncut and was released without any promotional campaign. However, just as audiences began discovering the film and positive reviews started spreading across social media, the movie disappeared from the streaming platform less than two days later, leaving viewers surprised and disappointed.
In its official statement, ZEE5 said it continues to support the film and respects its creative vision but confirmed that Satluj would remain unavailable in India until further notice due to the current situation. The platform also stated that it is exploring legal options in the hope of restoring the film for Indian audiences.
Before the takedown, Diljit Dosanjh had also addressed the uncertainty during an Instagram Live session. Speaking directly to fans, the actor and singer said he had anticipated the film might be removed by Monday. He encouraged those who had already watched it to share its message with others and reiterated his deep connection with Punjab, saying he would continue to stand by the state throughout his life.
Kashyap’s reaction has once again reignited the conversation around censorship in Indian cinema, with many arguing that attempts to suppress a film often generate even greater public curiosity. As the legal battle over Satluj continues, the controversy has only amplified interest in a film that has spent years caught between artistic expression and regulatory scrutiny.
