Despite being removed from streaming platforms within just 48 hours of its release, “Satluj” continues to attract viewers through non-traditional channels. Surwind VickyThe actor who plays the film’s villain, SSP Surjit Singh Sugga, said communities across Punjab have started organizing collective screenings of the film almost as an act of “service”.“While the film, directed by Honey Trahan, continues to be embroiled in controversy over its removal, Suwinder noted that the wave of public support has been the project’s biggest reward.
Suvinder Vicky: “People treat it like a service”
In an interview with NDTV, Suwind revealed that he was deeply touched by the efforts made by the audience to ensure that the film would reach the hearts of the people. “People are treating it like a service. Many people downloaded it before it was removed and now they are sharing it with others. I heard that people are taking projectors to villages across Punjab to organize screenings. Just as people offer their services during Guruparab by offering langar or chabeel, they also treat this film in the same way. It really touched my heart,” he said.
Suvinder Vicky in quiet, focused scene with Diljit
Suwinder also spoke highly of Dosanjh’s discipline and focus while working, calling him a supportive fellow actor and a “true artist” who he believes will inevitably be rewarded for his dedication to his craft. He recalled that the atmosphere on the set was unusually quiet as they were reluctant to engage in conversation between takes, choosing instead to focus on their characters. He said that both the actors avoided small talk, Diljit avoided small talk to avoid unnecessary distractions and maintain the authenticity of the character, while Suwinder admitted that he needed the same concentration and that was what kept the sets quiet.
Suvinder Vicky recalls the toughest filming scene
The actor pointed out that the torture scene between his character Suga and Diljit’s Jaswant Singh Hara was the most physically demanding part of the shoot. He remembers one scene in particular where Diljit was hung up and Suwinder had to repeatedly throw pamphlets at him during interrogation, each pamphlet having to hit him just right on the face. Suwinder said several retakes were required as it was not easy to nail down the timing. He admits to feeling a lot of pressure operating with Diljit because he knew there was little room for error. Often, the booklet would miss its mark, hit Diljit in the neck or go missing entirely, meaning the scene had to be shot over and over again.
Suvinder Vicky on Diljit’s patience: “Bhaiji, koi gal ni”
Time and again, Suvinder would apologize to Diljit when the pamphlet failed to achieve its intended purpose. But each time, the actor just responded with a smile and said, “Bhaiji, koi gal ni (It’s okay, don’t worry).” Recalling the incident, Suvinder spoke glowingly of Diljit’s patience and humility, even calling him a “child of God.” As for the ongoing hurdles “Satluj” faces after its release after years of delays, Suwinder chooses not to speculate on the reasons. He just felt that anyone who wanted to block the film would be better off watching it first – they might find there’s nothing in it that really warrants such action.
Suvinder Vicky on fear of being labeled a ‘butcher’
Suwind also revealed his initial concern that viewers might have a hard time separating him from Suga, a character based on a real police officer who was once known as the “butcher” of the area. But as it turns out, he says the response he’s received has been overwhelmingly positive. Suwind noted that not one person responded with hostility or abuse – instead, the audience praised his performance, which he said was the highest praise he could ask for.
Suvinder Vicky’s film and her long battle with CBFC
Shot and completed around four years ago, Satluj has had a long and bumpy journey to the big screen. It was first sent to the CBFC under the title Ghallughara, reportedly approved after 21 cuts, and then told to rename itself “Punjab ’95”. After a legal battle, the revision committee then reportedly pushed for as many as 127 cuts and asked for the name of the lead character, Jaswant Singh Khalra, to be changed. When the producers fought back and refused, it ultimately delayed the film’s release in India by several years.
Suvinder Vicky’s movie withdrawn within 48 hours of release
The film was finally made available to viewers in an unedited form on ZEE5 on July 3, but was taken down within 48 hours after the Center asked the platform to take it down citing security concerns under Information Technology (IT) rules. The decision was opposed by the SGPC and various political parties in Punjab. Diljit Dosanjh He later said that the delisting was “inevitable to happen.” helmsman Dear TrehanSatluj features Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun RampalSuvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Orjan Among the protagonists.
