Diljit Dosanjh starrer film ‘Sutlej’ (earlier named ‘Punjab ’95’), directed by Honey Trehan, was released on ZEE5 on July 3, but within two days of its release it was removed from the OTT platform. This film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Now filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come forward in support of ‘Sutlej’. He has praised the film highly and appealed to the authorities not to suppress it. Praising the film, he wrote that it brings to the fore one of the darkest chapters in the history of India without any sensationalism.
Ram Gopal Varma shared ‘Sutlej’ review of
Ram Gopal Varma has written in his big post shared on The only weapons we have are a ledger and a conscience. Arjun Rampal adds layers of moral degradation to the institutional collusion that seems horrifyingly real.”
The truth comes forward with power’Sutlej’
He further wrote, “Instead of sensationalizing this horrific story, director Honey Trehan has presented it like a slow-paced investigative thriller using government files, funeral records and hushed conversations. Due to this restraint, the cruelty of the story seems even more effective, because it comes out with the force of truth, and not to spread sensation. The main philosophical aspect of the film is how That a democracy swallows its own citizens and then tries to erase the evidence has been shown without any preaching, and that is no mean feat.
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‘Sutlej’ must be seen and shown
Talking about the controversy over the removal of ‘Sutlej’ from ZEE5, Ram Gopal Varma further said that the issues raised regarding its screening have further increased the importance of the film. He wrote, “The various issues that have arisen around its screening and release prove that any art that makes the powerful uncomfortable has done its job, and that is the true purpose of true art, which is ‘Sutlej’. It is a very courageous and necessary film because it shocks people, teaches them and is remembered for a long time.”
At a time when mainstream cinema is chasing show and popcorn cinema, ‘Sutlej’ is a stark reminder of what cinema can achieve when it embraces truth and honesty. ‘Sutlej’ is a film that should be seen, shown, discussed and debated, and not ‘encountered’ like the victims shown in the film.”
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
Ram Gopal Verma appealed to the authorities
Concluding his speech, Ram Gopal Verma appealed, “My appeal to all those in power is that please do not do to ‘Sutlej’ what was done to Jaswant Singh Khalra. When someone tries to hide the truth, it hits harder. Ayn Rand.”
About ‘Sutlej’
Honey Trehan’s directed film ‘Sutlej’ was streamed on ZEE5 on July 3 after a delay of almost four years. Earlier, the film had to face certification related problems, due to which it could not be released in theatres. Although this film reached the audience on OTT, it was removed from the platform after 2 days.
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