Despite being pulled from the streaming platform within just 48 hours of its release, ‘Satluj’ is still reaching viewers through unconventional channels. Suvinder Vickywho portrays SSP Surjit Singh Sugga, a critic of the film, says that communities in Punjab organized group screenings, and approached the film as a “seva.“Although the Honey Trehan-directed film continues to be mired in controversy over its cancellation, Suvinder said that this public support has been the industry’s biggest reward.
Suvinder Vicky: “People are treating it like a server”
In an interview with NDTV, Suvinder revealed that he was very impressed with the audience’s reaction to ensure that the film reaches the masses. “People see it as a server. I have heard that people are taking projectors to villages in Punjab and setting up screens. As people treat seva during Guruparab while serving langar or chabeel, they are treating this film in the same way. This has really touched my heart,” he said.
Suvinder Vicky in a silent, direct scene with Diljit
Suvinder also spoke highly of Dosanjh’s discipline and focus while working, describing him as a supportive fellow actor and a “real artist” whose dedication to his work, he felt, would benefit him. He remembered that there was a strange silence in the group, because none of them wanted to talk, choosing to remain busy with the characters. Small talk, he said, was what both the actors avoided, Diljit avoided it to keep unnecessary distractions and remain in character, while Suvinder admitted that he needed to focus on that, which resulted in the silence of the set.
Suvinder Vicky remembers the most difficult scenes to shoot
The actor pointed to the tension between his character, Sugga, and Diljit’s Jaswant Singh Khalra as some of the most taxing parts of the shoot. He recalled one incident in particular, when Diljit was left hanging while Suvinder had to repeatedly throw papers at him while he was being questioned, and everyone had to slap his face well. According to Suvinder, the shot had to be repeated several times as nailing the timing was not easy. She admitted that she feels a lot of pressure from Diljit, knowing that there was nothing wrong. More often than not, the pellets would miss their target, hit Diljit’s neck or miss, which meant that the place had to be shot repeatedly.
Suvinder Vicky on Diljit’s patience: “Bhaiji, koi gal ni”
Every now and then, when we missed the leaflets, Suvinder apologized to Diljit. However, each time the actor would not respond but smile and say, “Bhaiji, koi gal ni (it’s okay, don’t worry).” Suvinder, remembering this, spoke of Diljit’s patience and humility in glowing terms, even calling him a “son of God”. As for the roadblocks that ‘Satluj’ has faced despite its release after years of delay, Suvinder chose not to dwell on the reasons behind it. He just felt that anyone who wants the film to be closed would do well to watch it first – he can’t find anything that would allow the film to be moved.
Suvinder Vicky fearing that she will sing like “Butcher”
Suvinder also expressed her initial concern that audiences might have trouble separating her from Sugga, a character impersonating a real-life police officer known as the local “Butcher”. However, he said that what he received was very good. Suvinder also said that not a single person responded with insults or harassment – instead, viewers praised her performance, which she called the biggest compliment she could have asked for.
Suvinder Vicky’s movie and his long battle with CBFC
Shot and completed nearly four years ago, ‘Satluj’ has had a long, arduous journey to the big screen. It was first submitted to the CBFC under the title Ghallughara and was reportedly cleared with 21 cuts, before being told to rename itself ‘Punjab’95’. Following a legal battle, the revision committee reportedly pushed for 127 cuts, as well as a demand to change the name of the protagonist Jaswant Singh Khalra. When the makers pushed back and refused, it ended up delaying the release of the film in India by years.
Suvinder Vicky’s movie went viral within 48 hours of its release
The video reached viewers on ZEE5 on July 3, streaming in its uncut form, but was pulled within 48 hours after the Center asked the platform to remove it, citing security concerns under the Information Technology (IT) Act. The decision faced opposition from the SGPC and several political parties in Punjab, meanwhile Diljit Dosanjh he later said that the removal “must be done.” Under the direction of Honey TrehanSatluj stars Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun RampalSuvinder Vicky is Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in leading positions.