Like the controversy surrounding it Diljit DosanjhThe movie ‘Satluj’ continues, veteran actor Ann Kapoor has shared a contrasting opinion, supporting the government’s decision to block the film and urging its creators to seek legal recourse instead of publicly criticizing the move.directed by Honey Trehan‘Satluj’, which was originally titled ‘Punjab 95’, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after being embroiled in a four-year battle with the Central Film Certification Board (CBFC). However, the film was pulled from the streaming platform within 48 hours following a directive from the Government of India. While several members of the film fraternity have criticized the ban and raised concerns about censorship and creative freedom, Kapoor believes the matter should be resolved through the legal system.The actor said in an interview with Kadak, “If this is the case, 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’s a proper channel to follow, right? What’s the point of crying about it?”Responding to Diljit Dosanjh’s earlier comments about keeping art separate from politics, Kapoor argued that filmmakers are conscious of the principle when they decide to make a film on a controversial subject. He argued that the proper course is to challenge the decision in the courts rather than appeal to public sentiment.“You acted in the film, and the rules clearly say that if the Censor Board doesn’t grant you a certificate, you have to go to the Supreme Court. Everyone knows it’s a controversial issue, and now you’re asking for sympathy from the public. Why wallow in self-pity? Go to the Supreme Court. What’s the point of crying about it?”Kapoor also defended the government’s concerns if a film is believed to have the potential to disturb public order or national security. Stressing that maintaining peace should take priority over releasing a film, he said, “Is anarchy more important than releasing a film? Is it more important that roads are burned in my country, houses are burned and mothers and sisters are burned alive? What is more important? As a member of the film industry, I say that what matters most to me is peace in my society.“Following the government’s directive, ZEE5 removed ‘Satluj’ from its catalog and issued a statement explaining the decision.“In light of current developments, Satluj will not be available in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring all appropriate avenues through due process to bring the film to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.” Soon after the withdrawal, pirated versions of the film started circulating online.Reacting to the development, an official spokesperson of co-producer Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies confirmed to SCREEN that the government had ordered the removal of the film, while expressing optimism that it would return to play soon.According to PTI, a government official said the film was originally submitted to the CBFC in 2022 under the title ‘Punjab 95’ but the makers refused to implement the 127 cuts suggested by the board. The official claimed that the film was later released directly on an OTT platform with a different title without obtaining CBFC certification. “They sat on the suggested cuts and eventually quietly released the film on OTT with a new title. OTT is not under the jurisdiction of CBFC. When the government came to know about the matter, Zee was asked to withdraw it (the film). The address was given due to security concerns. The OTT platform was asked to follow the obligations of the intermediate guidelines. If they want to release the film in theaters and OTT, they should follow the established norms.”Before the film was shelved, director Honey Trehan had expressed gratitude to ZEE5 and the producers for keeping the project going. He also admitted that despite years of battle, he still didn’t know who had opposed the film.“If someone asks me who had a problem with the film, I really don’t know. I don’t have a face. I don’t have a name. It all came through third parties or lawyers,” he told Mid-Day.“Satluj” is based on one of the most turbulent chapters in Punjab’s history, examining enforced disappearances, alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal detentions linked to the state’s counterinsurgency operations against Khalistani militancy in the 1980s and 1990s. The film focuses on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose investigation into the alleged illegal cremation of unidentified bodies eventually led to his own demise. Apart from Diljit Dosanjh, the film features Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.