Gul Panag has spoken in support of Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj as debate around its delayed release continues. The film, earlier titled Punjab ’95, has faced repeated hurdles because of its sensitive subject matter linked to Punjab in the 1990s.
The actress shared her views on X, where she argued that films dealing with difficult periods of history should be allowed to be seen and discussed. Her comments came after fresh uncertainty around the film’s release, with reports saying it was briefly made available and then withdrawn again within 48 hours.
Gul Panag recalls growing up in Punjab
Panag, who is from Punjab, connected the issue to her own memories of growing up during the years of militancy in the state. She said those memories were the reason she did not support silencing stories about that period.
"I grew up in Punjab during the brutal years of militancy. I remember reading newspaper headlines about buses being stopped and innocent passengers being pulled out and killed. I also remember accounts of young men being picked up, detained and tortured, despite having nothing to do with the movement. Including from my village," she wrote.
She added that uncomfortable chapters of history should not be avoided simply because they are painful. According to her, telling such stories is different from endorsing every view presented in a film.
Her stand on bans and criticism
In another post, Panag said cinema should be open to debate, criticism and counter-arguments. She made it clear that a film should not be treated as a complete historical record.
"A film isn’t a history textbook. It tells a story through one lens and one perspective. Debate it. Critique it. Counter it. Banning it is always counter productive," she wrote. She also said people should not assume that Punjab’s rejection of separatism is so weak that a film could undo it.
What Satluj is about
Satluj is based on the life and work of Jaswant Singh Kalra, the human rights activist known for investigating alleged secret killings and cremations of several people in Punjab in the 1990s. The project has been in development for several years and was originally known as Punjab ’95.
The film has reportedly faced multiple issues with the Central Board of Film Certification because of its sensitive and controversial subject. These issues have contributed to long delays in its release. Despite interest around the project, it has not received a settled release across platforms, according to the report.
Diljit Dosanjh plays the lead role in the film. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in important parts. The film is set against a difficult period in Punjab’s history, which is the reason it has drawn strong reactions even before a regular release.
Panag’s comments add another voice from the film industry to the discussion around Satluj. Her position is that viewers should be allowed to watch, question and challenge the film, instead of stopping it from being shown.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.