As the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Satluj’ continues, veteran actor Annu Kapoor has shared a contrasting opinion, backing the government’s decision to block the film and urging its makers to seek legal recourse instead of criticising the move publicly.Directed by Honey Trehan, ‘Satluj’ which was originally titled ‘Punjab 95’ premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 after remaining entangled in a four-year battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the film was removed from the streaming platform within 48 hours following a directive from the Government of India. While several members of the film fraternity have criticised the ban and raised concerns over censorship and creative freedom, Kapoor believes the matter should be settled through the legal system.The actor said in an interview with Kadak, “If that’s the case, then 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 is a proper channel to follow, isn’t there? 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 aware from the outset when they choose to make a film on a contentious subject. He maintained that the appropriate course of action is to challenge the decision in court rather than appeal to public sentiment.“You acted in the film, and the rules clearly state that if the Censor Board does not grant it a certificate, you should go to the Supreme Court. Everyone knows that this is a controversial subject, and now you’re begging the public for sympathy. Why indulge in self-pity? Go to the Supreme Court. What’s the point of crying over 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 a film’s release, he said, “Is anarchy more important than releasing a film? Is that more important than roads in my country being burned, houses being set on fire, and mothers and sisters being burned alive? What is more important? As a member of the film industry, I’m saying that what matters more to me is that there is peace in my society.”Following the government’s directive, ZEE5 removed ‘Satluj’ from its catalogue and issued a statement explaining the decision.“In light of the current developments, Satluj will be unavailable in India until further notice. We remain committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity.” Soon after the takedown, pirated versions of the film reportedly began circulating online.Reacting to the development, an official spokesperson for co-producer Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies confirmed to SCREEN that the government had ordered the film’s removal, while expressing optimism that it would return to streaming 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 declined to implement the board’s suggested 127 cuts. The official claimed that the film was later released directly on an OTT platform under a different title without obtaining CBFC certification. “They kept sitting on the suggested cuts and eventually released the movie quietly on OTT with a new title. OTT does not come under the CBFC’s jurisdiction. When the matter came to the government’s notice, Zee was asked to take it (the film) down. The direction was given due to security concerns. The OTT platform was asked to follow the obligations under intermediary guidelines. If they want to release the film in theatres and OTT, they should follow the laid down norms.”Before the film was taken down, director Honey Trehan had expressed gratitude to ZEE5 and the producers for standing by the project. He also admitted that, despite the years-long battle, he still did not know who had objected to the film.“If somebody asks me who had a problem with the film, I genuinely don’t know. I don’t have a face. I don’t have a name. Everything came through third persons 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 counter-insurgency operations against Khalistani militancy during the 1980s and 1990s. The film centres on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose investigation into the alleged illegal cremation of unidentified bodies ultimately led to his own disappearance. Besides Diljit Dosanjh, the film features Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.