Why cry? Annu Kapoor backs Satluj takedown, urges makers to seek legal route
Actor Annu Kapoor has backed the government's stand on Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj and said the makers should move the Supreme Court. His remarks come as the film's removal from ZEE5 has intensified debate over censorship and creative freedom.
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor voiced his opinion in support of the government's decision against Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj. In an interview, the actor said that the makers should seek legal recourse instead of turning the matter into a public debate.
Diljit’s Satluj found itself at the centre of a censorship debate after being removed from ZEE5 just two days after its release. Several members of the film fraternity have criticised the move and raised concerns over creative freedom. In an interview with Kadak, Kapoor reacted to the controversy and said that the filmmakers are aware of the rules and should follow the proper legal channels if they disagree with a decision by the censor board or authorities.
The actor questioned the need for public appeals and said that approaching the Supreme Court would be the appropriate course of action.
"You have taken a stand, but there are certain rules and regulations. If the censor board has refused permission, then why upload it?
The 70-year-old actor further pointed out that filmmakers have legal avenues available and should use them instead of relying on public support.
"Ye sab film walon ko pata hota hai ki ye controversial cheez hai aur aap jata ki rehem ki bheeg maang rahe hai. Self pity hai kya? Aap Supreme Court jaiye na usmain rone ki kya baat hai. Ro kyun rahe hai?. Apke pass proper channel hai na supreme court ka aap vahan jaiyen na. (So, filmmakers are aware that such things can be controversial, and yet you come out seeking sympathy and asking for mercy. Is this self-pity? You should approach the Supreme Court instead. Why are you crying about it? Why complain? You have a proper legal channel available — go to the Supreme Court. There is no need to cry about it publicly."
In the same interview, Kapoor was asked about separating an artiste's work from politics. The interviewer cited the recent example of a Punjabi singer who refused to comment on the ongoing political protests in Delhi while discussing whether artistes should be expected to take a stand on such issues.
The Vicky Donor actor said how artiste should have their stand clear. “Hum apne waqt ke political social religous and financial circumstances ke by product hai. Apka apna vichaar hona chahiye. mujhe politics se matlab nahi hai, par mere vichaar hai. Aur voh ho sakta hai ki jaanboojhkar ye sab karna chah raha ho. Aapne apna panga liya hai." (We are all products of our own political, social, religious and financial circumstances. Everyone should have their own opinion. I have nothing to do with politics, but I have my own views. It is possible that someone may be doing all this intentionally. You have chosen to take this stand)" Annu added.
Satluj controversy
Satluj has faced further hurdles following its sudden removal from ZEE5. After being taken down from the Indian platform, the film was also removed from ZEE5's international library, while its IMDb user rating page was no longer available.
Originally titled Punjab '95, the film had earlier run into certification issues, with the makers claiming that the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) had demanded 127 cuts. The film was also set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
The film finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign, but was removed from the platform shortly after positive reactions began emerging. Despite its brief availability, Satluj continued to draw attention for its portrayal of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's fight against alleged fake encounters and illegal mass cremations in Punjab during the militancy period.
During an Instagram Live session, Diljit Dosanjh said he expected the film to be taken down soon and urged viewers who had watched it to share their experience with those who had not. He also expressed his commitment to Punjab, saying he would stand by it until his last breath.
Along with Dosanjh, the film stars Kanwaljit Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor voiced his opinion in support of the government's decision against Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj. In an interview, the actor said that the makers should seek legal recourse instead of turning the matter into a public debate.
Diljit’s Satluj found itself at the centre of a censorship debate after being removed from ZEE5 just two days after its release. Several members of the film fraternity have criticised the move and raised concerns over creative freedom. In an interview with Kadak, Kapoor reacted to the controversy and said that the filmmakers are aware of the rules and should follow the proper legal channels if they disagree with a decision by the censor board or authorities.
The actor questioned the need for public appeals and said that approaching the Supreme Court would be the appropriate course of action.
"You have taken a stand, but there are certain rules and regulations. If the censor board has refused permission, then why upload it?
The 70-year-old actor further pointed out that filmmakers have legal avenues available and should use them instead of relying on public support.
"Ye sab film walon ko pata hota hai ki ye controversial cheez hai aur aap jata ki rehem ki bheeg maang rahe hai. Self pity hai kya? Aap Supreme Court jaiye na usmain rone ki kya baat hai. Ro kyun rahe hai?. Apke pass proper channel hai na supreme court ka aap vahan jaiyen na. (So, filmmakers are aware that such things can be controversial, and yet you come out seeking sympathy and asking for mercy. Is this self-pity? You should approach the Supreme Court instead. Why are you crying about it? Why complain? You have a proper legal channel available — go to the Supreme Court. There is no need to cry about it publicly."
In the same interview, Kapoor was asked about separating an artiste's work from politics. The interviewer cited the recent example of a Punjabi singer who refused to comment on the ongoing political protests in Delhi while discussing whether artistes should be expected to take a stand on such issues.
The Vicky Donor actor said how artiste should have their stand clear. “Hum apne waqt ke political social religous and financial circumstances ke by product hai. Apka apna vichaar hona chahiye. mujhe politics se matlab nahi hai, par mere vichaar hai. Aur voh ho sakta hai ki jaanboojhkar ye sab karna chah raha ho. Aapne apna panga liya hai." (We are all products of our own political, social, religious and financial circumstances. Everyone should have their own opinion. I have nothing to do with politics, but I have my own views. It is possible that someone may be doing all this intentionally. You have chosen to take this stand)" Annu added.
Satluj controversy
Satluj has faced further hurdles following its sudden removal from ZEE5. After being taken down from the Indian platform, the film was also removed from ZEE5's international library, while its IMDb user rating page was no longer available.
Originally titled Punjab '95, the film had earlier run into certification issues, with the makers claiming that the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) had demanded 127 cuts. The film was also set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
The film finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign, but was removed from the platform shortly after positive reactions began emerging. Despite its brief availability, Satluj continued to draw attention for its portrayal of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's fight against alleged fake encounters and illegal mass cremations in Punjab during the militancy period.
During an Instagram Live session, Diljit Dosanjh said he expected the film to be taken down soon and urged viewers who had watched it to share their experience with those who had not. He also expressed his commitment to Punjab, saying he would stand by it until his last breath.
Along with Dosanjh, the film stars Kanwaljit Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor voiced his opinion in support of the government's decision against Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj. In an interview, the actor said that the makers should seek legal recourse instead of turning the matter into a public debate.
Diljit’s Satluj found itself at the centre of a censorship debate after being removed from ZEE5 just two days after its release. Several members of the film fraternity have criticised the move and raised concerns over creative freedom. In an interview with Kadak, Kapoor reacted to the controversy and said that the filmmakers are aware of the rules and should follow the proper legal channels if they disagree with a decision by the censor board or authorities.
The actor questioned the need for public appeals and said that approaching the Supreme Court would be the appropriate course of action.
"You have taken a stand, but there are certain rules and regulations. If the censor board has refused permission, then why upload it?
The 70-year-old actor further pointed out that filmmakers have legal avenues available and should use them instead of relying on public support.
"Ye sab film walon ko pata hota hai ki ye controversial cheez hai aur aap jata ki rehem ki bheeg maang rahe hai. Self pity hai kya? Aap Supreme Court jaiye na usmain rone ki kya baat hai. Ro kyun rahe hai?. Apke pass proper channel hai na supreme court ka aap vahan jaiyen na. (So, filmmakers are aware that such things can be controversial, and yet you come out seeking sympathy and asking for mercy. Is this self-pity? You should approach the Supreme Court instead. Why are you crying about it? Why complain? You have a proper legal channel available — go to the Supreme Court. There is no need to cry about it publicly."
In the same interview, Kapoor was asked about separating an artiste's work from politics. The interviewer cited the recent example of a Punjabi singer who refused to comment on the ongoing political protests in Delhi while discussing whether artistes should be expected to take a stand on such issues.
The Vicky Donor actor said how artiste should have their stand clear. “Hum apne waqt ke political social religous and financial circumstances ke by product hai. Apka apna vichaar hona chahiye. mujhe politics se matlab nahi hai, par mere vichaar hai. Aur voh ho sakta hai ki jaanboojhkar ye sab karna chah raha ho. Aapne apna panga liya hai." (We are all products of our own political, social, religious and financial circumstances. Everyone should have their own opinion. I have nothing to do with politics, but I have my own views. It is possible that someone may be doing all this intentionally. You have chosen to take this stand)" Annu added.
Satluj controversy
Satluj has faced further hurdles following its sudden removal from ZEE5. After being taken down from the Indian platform, the film was also removed from ZEE5's international library, while its IMDb user rating page was no longer available.
Originally titled Punjab '95, the film had earlier run into certification issues, with the makers claiming that the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) had demanded 127 cuts. The film was also set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.
The film finally premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign, but was removed from the platform shortly after positive reactions began emerging. Despite its brief availability, Satluj continued to draw attention for its portrayal of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's fight against alleged fake encounters and illegal mass cremations in Punjab during the militancy period.
During an Instagram Live session, Diljit Dosanjh said he expected the film to be taken down soon and urged viewers who had watched it to share their experience with those who had not. He also expressed his commitment to Punjab, saying he would stand by it until his last breath.
Along with Dosanjh, the film stars Kanwaljit Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.
