Despite being pulled from the streaming platform within just 48 hours of its release, ‘Satluj’ still reached audiences through unconventional channels. Suvinder Vickywho portrays SSP Surjit Singh Sugga, the film’s antagonist, says that communities across Punjab have taken to organizing group screenings, approaching the film almost as an act of “seva.Although the Honey Trehan-directed film continues to be embroiled in controversy over its release, Suvinder notes that this outpouring of public support has turned out to be the project’s biggest reward.
Suvinder Vicky. “People treat it like seva”
In an interview with NDTV, Suvinder revealed that he was deeply moved by the distance the audience went to ensure people could reach the film. “People are treating it like seva. Many have downloaded it before it was taken down, and now they are sharing it with others. I heard that people are bringing projectors to villages across Punjab and organizing screenings. Just like people do seva during Guruparab by serving langar or chabeel, they treat this film in the same way. That really touched my heart,” he said.
Suvinder Vicky on the quiet, focused set with Diljit
Suvinder also praised Dosanjh’s discipline and focus while working, describing him as a supportive fellow actor and “a true artist” whose devotion to his craft, he felt, inevitably paid off. He remembers that the set had a strangely quiet atmosphere, because none of them were inclined to talk between takes, choosing instead to remain absorbed in their characters. Small talk, he says, is something both actors avoid, Diljit avoids it to avoid unwanted interruptions and stay in character, while Suvinder admits he needs the same kind of focus, which is what keeps the set quiet.
Suvinder Vicky recalls the toughest scenes to shoot
The actor pointed to the torture sequences between his character, Sugga, and Diljit’s Jaswant Singh Khalra as one of the most physically taxing parts of the shoot. He remembers one scene in particular, where Diljit was left hanging while Suvinder had to throw pamphlets at him repeatedly during an interrogation, each of which had to hit him in the face properly. According to Suvinder, the shot required several iterations as nailing the timing was not easy. She admits that she feels a lot of pressure acting with Diljit, knowing that there is little room for error. More often than not, the pamphlets would veer off target, hit Diljit’s neck or miss altogether, meaning the scene had to be shot over and over again.
Suvinder Vicky for Diljit’s patience. “Bhaiji, this is a girl”
Time and again, after the pamphlets miss their mark, Suvinder apologizes to Diljit. Each time, however, the actor had no response other than a smile and the words, “Bhaiji, koi gal ni (It’s okay, don’t worry).” Suvinder, recalling this, spoke of Diljit’s patience and humility in glowing terms, even calling him “son of God.” As for the persistent roadblocks facing ‘Satluj’ even after its release after years of delay, Suvinder chose not to speculate on the reasons. He just felt that anyone pushing for the film to be blocked would do well to watch it first – perhaps they don’t see any real reason for such a move.
Suvinder Vicky for fear of being typecast as “The Butcher”
Suvinder also opened up about his initial concern that viewers might have trouble separating him from Sugga, a character modeled after a real-life policeman who was once known as the “Butcher” in the region. However, as it turned out, he said the reaction he received was overwhelmingly positive. Suvinder noted that not a single person responded with hate or abuse – instead, the audience applauded his performance, something he called the highest compliment he could ask for.
Suvinder Vicky’s film and its long battle with CBFC
Shot and completed almost four years ago, ‘Satluj’ has had a long, turbulent journey to the big screen. It was first sent to the CBFC under the title Ghallughara and reportedly got clearance with 21 cuts, before being told to rename itself ‘Punjab ’95’. After a legal battle, the revision committee is said to have pushed for as many as 127 cuts, along with a request to change the name of the protagonist Jaswant Singh Khalra. When the makers pushed and refused, it ended up delaying the release of the film in India for years.
Suvinder Vicky’s film pulled within 48 hours of release
The film finally went to viewers on ZEE5 on July 3, streaming in uncut form, which was pulled within 48 hours after the Center asked the platform to remove it, citing security concerns under the Information Technology (IT) Rules. The decision has faced pushback from the SGPC as well as several political parties in Punjab, meanwhile Diljit Dosanjh would later say that the removal “had to happen.” Led by: Honey TrehanSatluj features Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun RampalSuvinder Vicky and: Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in leading roles.