Satluj Anurag Basu Reacts to Takedown of Diljit Dosanjh Film, Compares Honey Trehan Ordeal With Iranian Filmmaker Jafar Panahi
The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh and director Honey Trehan’s film Satluj has taken a new turn after filmmaker Anurag Basu publicly expressed his disappointment over the movie’s sudden removal from ZEE5 India. The film, which quietly premiered on the platform after years of delays, was taken down within days, triggering a fresh debate over censorship and creative freedom in Indian cinema.
Taking to social media, Anurag Basu shared a strongly worded post in support of Honey Trehan. He wrote that he never imagined a day would come when an Indian filmmaker would face circumstances similar to those experienced by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who has long battled censorship and restrictions in his home country. Basu’s statement quickly gained attention, with many members of the film industry and fans echoing his concerns.
Satluj, originally developed under the title Punjab ’95, is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film had reportedly remained stuck for several years due to certification issues before the makers opted for a surprise OTT release. However, the film was removed from the streaming platform shortly after its release, leaving audiences shocked and disappointed. The exact reason for the takedown has not been officially clarified by the platform.
Director Honey Trehan revealed that only a handful of people, including lead actor Diljit Dosanjh, knew about the secret digital release. According to the filmmaker, the team believed a direct OTT launch would finally allow audiences to watch the long-delayed project. Instead, the film’s abrupt removal reignited discussions about censorship, artistic freedom and the challenges filmmakers continue to face while bringing sensitive stories to the screen.
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The incident has sparked widespread reactions across the entertainment industry and social media. Several filmmakers, actors and viewers have voiced support for the team behind Satluj, calling for greater transparency and freedom for filmmakers. As the debate continues, Anurag Basu’s comparison with Jafar Panahi has become one of the strongest reactions from within the industry, highlighting growing concerns over creative expression in Indian cinema.
