'It's robbery under broad daylight': Varun Badola slams Zee5's removal of Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj

In an interview with News18, Badola said the film's removal had deprived audiences of the opportunity to judge it for themselves.

'Audience Is Being Deprived'

Speaking on the controversy, Badola said: "It's not like restrictions weren't ever imposed on any film in the past. So many Indian films have been banned. Sometimes, the powers that be feel that a course correction is important. Only they know why they decided to ban our film."

He added that the film merely presented a point of view and deserved to be seen by audiences.

"All I can say is that through our film, we put forth a point of view and it would've given many people the chance to see that. They're being deprived. Log jo bol rahe hai ki film iss baare mein hai, puri picture dekhte toh samajhte ki film uss baare mein shaayad hai hi nahi."

Refuses to Support Piracy

Badola also distanced himself from reports that Diljit Dosanjh had urged fans during an Instagram Live session to circulate downloaded copies of the film after it was taken down.

While acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances, Badola said he could not endorse piracy.

"I've been seeing videos of the film being screened in villages on Instagram. We keep fighting against piracy. I understand that this situation is very different but I still can't advocate piracy."

"I won't watch the pirated version. That's a rule I've always followed. So, I'll wait. The only thing we can all do right now is wait."

Actor Hasn't Watched the Film Himself

Interestingly, Badola revealed that he has not watched Satluj despite acting in it.

Recalling how he first heard about the release, he said:

"When my cricketing fraternity told me about my look and character in it, I thought they were talking about some other film. When they mentioned Satluj, I told them I haven't done a film that goes by that name. It was earlier called Punjab '95."

He said he and his wife had planned to watch the film later as they were attending a family gathering in Belapur when it was released.

Diljit Dosanjh in Satluj. Photo: Screen-grab

'It Was Taken Down in 48 Hours'

Badola said he had assumed the film would remain available and therefore did not rush to watch it.

"But it was taken down in 48 hours. It's not like I didn't watch it because they wanted to make and release it in complete secrecy. Each time Honey would ask me to watch it, I never got around to it. I knew ki release toh hogi hi hogi aur tabhi dekh lenge."

The actor also admitted that he generally avoids watching his own performances and had only viewed some of his scenes during the dubbing process.

The removal of Satluj from Zee5 has triggered widespread debate over censorship, artistic freedom and access to films, with several members of the film industry voicing concern over the platform's decision.