‘Satluj’ (previously known as ‘Panjab 95’) has been creating a buzz on social media ever since its quiet release on OTT on July 3 and its subsequent ban worldwide. The protagonist of this movie is Diljit Dosanjhis a biopic of Jaswant Singh Khalra which has been watched by a large number of viewers across the globe. However, one person who hasn’t seen it yet is the ‘Satluj’ actor Varun Badora. In a recent interview, while talking about the character of advocate Ravinder Jais in the film, Varun said that he has no intention of watching a pirated version of the film.
Varun Badola talks Satluj’s OTT removal
Just 48 hours after its release, “Satluj” was removed from ZEE5, although it is still available internationally on the platform. However, the latest update suggests Dear Trehan The catalog is also no longer available for viewing overseas. Meanwhile, the film starring Diljit was screened in Jammu for the local community and the Delhi Sikh Gurugram Management Committee has announced plans to host more screenings at the Gurugram.
Varun Badola refuses to watch piracy
During an Instagram live session, Diljit urged fans to share copies of the film on social media. In the meantime, Varun Badola in an interview with News18 spoke about the removal of Satluj from OTT and said that he will never watch its pirated version. He mentioned that he had seen videos of the film being screened in villages on Instagram and other platforms, but said he had certain principles when it came to watching the film. He said: “We have been fighting piracy. I know the situation is very different now, but I still cannot advocate piracy. I will not watch piracy. This is the rule I have always followed.”
Varun Badola recalls not knowing anything about film’s release
Varun said he would watch the film later. Recalling that he had no idea about Satluji’s release, the actor said his friends first told him about his look and role in the film, which confused him as he initially thought they were referring to another project. It was only when they specifically mentioned the title “Satluj” that he realized that before that, he didn’t even know he had made a film with the same name. He was with his family when the film was released on ZEE5 and he and his wife Rajeshwari had planned to watch the film in due course, but it was pulled before they could watch it. He clarified: “It’s not that I didn’t watch it because they wanted to keep the production and distribution completely secret. Every time Honey asked me to watch it, I couldn’t get around to watching it.”
Varun Badola calls the ban a ‘broad day robbery’
The actor reacted strongly to the film’s ban, calling the removal of “Satluj” a “broad day robbery”. He pointed out that several films had faced banning in the past and said, “Sometimes, those in power feel it is important to change course. Only they know why they decided to ban our film.” Varun also believes that officials should watch Satluj before deciding to ban it. Notably, an inter-departmental committee examined the Diljit starrer and ruled that the film should remain banned from public viewing in the country after a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the “illegal” public screening of the film in Punjab.
Varun Badola’s Satluj also stars Arjun Rampal
The film also stars Arjun Rampal Surwind Vicky and Geetika Vidya in pivotal roles. “Satluj” was originally scheduled to release in 2023, but was postponed due to the CBFC certification hurdle.
