Controversy is going on regarding this Diljit Dosanjh starrer film. Satluj It has reportedly been gaining momentum since the film was removed late last week, but within 48 hours it was removed again, sparking widespread reactions online. As talks continue regarding the film’s release, actress Gul Panag has now voiced her support for the project, advocating for artistic freedom and the importance of engaging with difficult chapters of history.
Amidst the controversy, Gul Panag supported Diljit Dosanjh’s film Sutlej, said- ‘Banning it is always counterproductive’
On X (formerly Twitter), the Punjab-based actress reflected on her experiences of growing up during one of the state’s most turbulent times. Emphasizing that stories rooted in history should not be silenced, Gul shared a series of tweets explaining why he believes films based on such subjects deserve to be watched rather than banned.
“I grew up in Punjab during the brutal years of insurgency. I remember reading newspaper headlines about buses being stopped and innocent passengers being pulled out and killed. I also remember incidents of young men being picked up, detained and tortured despite having nothing to do with the movement, including in my village. I don’t think it’s because of those memories that I think we have become so uncomfortable with the difficult chapters of our history. We should stop telling stories about them.”
I grew up in Punjab during the brutal years of insurgency. I remember reading newspaper headlines about buses being stopped and innocent passengers being pulled out and killed. I also remember incidents of young men being picked up, detained and tortured despite nothing happening…
– Gul Panag (@GulPanag) 7 July 2026
In another tweet, Gul stressed that cinema should be open to discussion and criticism instead of censorship. “A film is not a history textbook. It tells a story through one lens and one perspective. Debate it. Criticize it. Counteract it. Banning it is always unproductive. But don’t assume that Punjab’s hard-earned rejection of separatism is so fragile that a film can overturn it!!”
A film is not a history textbook. It tells a story through one lens and one perspective. Debate this. Criticize it. Counteract it. Banning it is always counterproductive.
But don’t assume that the sentiment of painstakingly rejecting separatism in Punjab is so fragile that a film can overturn it!! https://t.co/eZYSF5EHQm
– Gul Panag (@GulPanag) 7 July 2026
His comments come at a time when Satluj remains at the center of increasing public debate. The film is based on the life and work of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Kalra, known for investigating the alleged secret killings and cremations of several people in Punjab in the 90s. originally titled Punjab ’95The project has been under construction for several years and has faced repeated hurdles regarding its release.
The film reportedly faced several issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its sensitive and controversial subject matter, resulting in a long delay. Despite the anticipation surrounding the project, it has not yet been released on any platform.
Set against the backdrop of one of Punjab’s most complex historical periods, Satluj It stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, along with Arjun Rampal, Surinder Vicky and others in important roles. With fresh voices from the film fraternity, the conversation is now happening all around SatlujArtistic freedom and the depiction of history on screen remains in focus.
