Annu Kapoor Backs Govt's Decision to Remove Satluj from ZEE5

After the film Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, it was removed from the platform within 48 hours following a directive from the government. The decision, reportedly driven by concerns over national security, reignited debate over censorship and creative freedom in India. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and originally titled Punjab 95, had spent three years navigating certification hurdles before bypassing a theatrical release and going straight to the digital service.

Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has publicly backed the government’s stance, urging filmmakers to pursue legal recourse rather than seeking public sympathy. Speaking to the outlet Kadak, Kapoor said, “If that’s the case, then take the matter to the Supreme Court. If the Censor Board has declared such a film unacceptable, then knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. There is a proper channel to follow, isn’t there? What’s the point of crying about it?” He added that filmmakers should follow the established legal process when the CBFC rejects a film.

Kapoor also responded to Diljit Dosanjh’s earlier comments about separating art from politics. He noted that any filmmaker tackling a sensitive topic like the Satluj River would anticipate controversy. “You acted in the film, and the rules clearly state that if the Censor Board does not grant it a certificate, you should go to the Supreme Court,” Kapoor said. He urged the creators not to appeal to public sympathy, arguing that the appropriate path is a court challenge.

Emphasizing the importance of national security, Kapoor said that films with the potential to disturb public order must be treated seriously. “Peace in society is more important,” he remarked. He questioned whether a film’s release could ever outweigh the need to prevent violence and unrest, stating that preserving social harmony takes precedence over any movie’s distribution.

While the controversy surrounding Satluj highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and governmental oversight, Kapoor’s stance underscores a preference for formal legal channels over public protest. The film’s removal has left industry observers divided, with some supporting the government’s decision and others criticizing it as an overreach of censorship.