After a tumultuous wait of three years, Diljit Dosanjh’s long-anticipated film “Satluj” was finally released to audiences on July 3. However, within just 48 hours, the film was removed from the ZEE5 platform. Since its debut, viewers have expressed admiration for the film and the performances of actors like Diljit Dosanjh, Suvinder Vicky, and Kanwaljit Singh, among others. In a recent interview, Suvinder shared his thoughts on the film’s reception, the challenges of censorship, and his experience working with Diljit.
In his conversation with NDTV, Suvinder discussed his collaboration with Diljit, noting that the actor preferred to focus on his role rather than engage in casual conversations on set. He praised Diljit’s ability to maintain composure during demanding physical scenes, as well as highlighted his own journey in embodying the character of Sugga. Despite the film’s difficult release, Suvinder expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support it has garnered.
Suvinder characterized Diljit as “a true artist,” emphasizing that his commitment to his role was evident to everyone involved in the production. “He is very supportive. I must say, he is an artist, and when you are a true artist, success eventually follows,” Suvinder remarked. He noted that the set maintained a quiet atmosphere as both actors focused on their characters instead of engaging in small talk. “We avoided casual conversations. He was very professional and wanted to stay immersed in his character, and I felt the same way,” he added.
Most of Suvinder’s scenes with Diljit revolved around intense interrogation sequences, where his character, Khalra, endures torture while being questioned by Sugga. He recounted one particular scene that required precise timing, where he had to throw pamphlets at Diljit, who was suspended mid-scene. “The majority of my interactions with Diljit were during these torture sequences. One scene involved him hanging while I threw pamphlets at him, and they needed to stick to his face. Diljit was literally suspended the entire time we shot that scene,” Suvinder explained.
He acknowledged that executing the scene was more challenging than it appeared. “There was a lot of pressure on me. I knew I was acting alongside Diljit Dosanjh, so I had to be perfect. Every throw had to land in the right spot. At times, the pamphlets missed and landed on his neck or elsewhere, necessitating several retakes,” he said.
Each time he missed his mark, Suvinder apologized but received nothing but understanding from Diljit. “I would say, ‘I’m sorry,’ and he would smile, responding with, ‘Bhaji, koi gal ni,’ meaning ‘It’s okay, don’t worry.’ He was remarkably patient and humble. I can’t fully express it, but he is truly exceptional,” Suvinder remarked.
While Diljit remained immersed in the character of Khalra, Suvinder focused on transforming into the film’s antagonist, crediting director Honey Trehan and the film’s technical crew for their efforts in accurately portraying the real-life officer’s appearance.
Interestingly, Suvinder mentioned that the film’s most challenging scene was not the climactic moment but a widely talked-about scene referred to as “the saag scene.” “Everyone on the crew kept mentioning this ‘saag scene.’ I was anxious because my character is the only one with authority, while everyone else is terrified,” he explained.
The challenge, he noted, was to convey menace without resorting to shouting or physical aggression. “The fear had to be expressed through simple dialogue. Honey Trehan was meticulous about details, and we spent a lot of time discussing the scene before filming to ensure it felt genuine,” he said.
Suvinder also recounted the unusual way he learned that “Satluj” had finally premiered after years of delays. “I was with my parents in Haryana when a friend called to inform me, ‘Your film has released.’ I asked, ‘Which film?’ He said, ‘The one about the ’95 case.’ I was shocked; no one had informed us. I found out at the same time as everyone else,” he said. However, the relief was short-lived. “When it was removed from ZEE5, it was an even bigger shock. After all those years, it finally came out, and then it was gone. We were excited that people were able to watch it,” he added. Suvinder spoke with Honey Trehan about the situation, but there was little that could be done. “He remained remarkably calm throughout,” he noted.
Despite its removal from the streaming service, Suvinder shared that the film continues to reach audiences through grassroots efforts. “People are treating it like seva. Many had downloaded it before it was taken down and are now sharing it. I’ve heard about people taking projectors to villages in Punjab to organize screenings. Just as people serve langar during Gurpurab, they are treating this film similarly, which truly touches my heart,” he expressed.
When asked about the reasons behind the film’s challenges, Suvinder refrained from speculation. “Honestly, I don’t know. Perhaps those who are obstructing it should watch it. They may realize there’s nothing in it that warrants a ban,” he said.
Nearly four years after completing production, “Satluj” stands as a testament to both its troubled journey and the historical narrative it represents. While the disciplined approach of Diljit Dosanjh left a significant impact on his co-star, Suvinder believes the true reward lies in witnessing audiences finally engage with a film they had been eagerly anticipating.
