Mumbai: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has backed Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, calling it a “deep wound” and urging authorities not to stop people from watching the film. Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was removed from the platform within two days.
In a detailed post on X, Varma described the film as one that leaves a lasting impact while praising Diljit Dosanjh’s performance.
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
“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.”
He also praised director Honey Trehan for handling the subject with restraint rather than sensationalism.
“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 significant, Varma wrote, “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 further added, “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.”
Appealing to authorities, Varma wrote, “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.”
Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the film was released on an OTT platform without completing the required certification process. ZEE5 later confirmed that Satluj would remain unavailable in India until further notice, while Diljit Dosanjh said he had expected the film to be banned but was satisfied that audiences had already watched it.
