why cry? Annu Kapoor supports removal of Sutlej, urges producers to take legal route
Actor Annu Kapoor has supported the government’s stand on Diljit Dosanjh’s film Sutlej and said the makers should approach the Supreme Court. His comments come as the debate over censorship and creative freedom has intensified after the film was removed from ZEE5.
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor expressed his opinion in support of the government’s decision against Diljit Dosanjh. Satluj. In an interview, the actor said that the makers should take legal recourse instead of turning the matter into a public debate.
Diljeet’s Satluj It found itself at the center of a censorship debate after it was removed from ZEE5 just two days after its release. Many members of the film fraternity have criticized the move and raised concerns over creative freedom. in an interview with harshKapoor reacted to the controversy and said that filmmakers are aware of the rules and if they disagree with any decision of the censor board or officials then they should follow proper legal channels.
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The actor questioned the need for a public appeal and said approaching the Supreme Court would be the appropriate course of action.
“You have taken a stand, but there are some rules and regulations. If the censor board has refused permission, then why upload it?”
The 70-year-old actor further explained that there are legal avenues available to filmmakers and they should use them instead of relying on public support.
“All these people of the film know that this is a controversial thing and you know that Bhima is asking for it. Is it self pity? If you go to the Supreme Court, what is there to cry about? Why are you crying? You have the proper channel of the Supreme Court, you should go there. (So, the filmmakers know that such things can be controversial, and yet you come 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 publicly about it.)
In the same interview, Kapoor was asked about separating an artist’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 stance on such issues.
Vicky Donor The actor said how artists should keep their stand clear. “We are products of the political, social, religious and financial conditions of our times. You must have your own views. I am not concerned with politics, but I have my views. And he may be trying to do all this on purpose. You have screwed up your.” (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 is doing all this deliberately. You have chosen to take this stand)” Annu said.
sutlej dispute
Satluj It has faced more hurdles after its sudden removal from ZEE5. After being removed 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 ’95The film had previously run into certification issues, with the producers claiming that the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) had demanded 127 cuts. The film was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but the screening was reportedly canceled after Indian authorities raised objections.
The film eventually premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign, but was removed from the platform shortly after positive reactions emerged. Despite its brief availability, Satluj The portrayal of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra’s fight against alleged fake encounters and illegal mass cremations in Punjab during the insurgency period continues to attract attention.
During an Instagram live session, Diljit Dosanjh said that he hopes the film will be taken down soon and urged the viewers who watched it to share their experience with those who didn’t. Expressing his commitment towards Punjab, he said that he will stand by it till his last breath.
Along with Dosanjh, the film stars Kanwaljeet Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in lead roles.