'Taking away choice from audience is unfair': Neeru Bajwa reacts to removal of Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' from Zee5

Bajwa, who has worked with Diljit Dosanjh in multiple films, said the audience should have the freedom to decide whether to support or criticise a piece of content.

Neeru Bajwa Supports Artistic Freedom

Sharing her views through an Instagram story, Bajwa emphasised the importance of artistic liberty and said films represent the creators' voices, passion and hard work.

"I watched Satluj, emotions are definitely stirred. A film is more than entertainment—it’s the voice of its creators, their passion, their truth, and years of hard work. No one should have the power to silence that without accountability," Bajwa wrote on Instagram, as quoted by DNA.

'Audience Has Right to Decide'

Bajwa said viewers should be allowed to form their own opinions about a film rather than having content removed without explanation.

"Whether people choose to support a film or criticise it should be their decision. Taking away that choice from the audience is unfair. We deserve the right to watch it, think for ourselves, and decide what it means to us," she wrote.

"If Satluj has been pulled, then the public deserves honesty. We deserve a clear explanation—not silence. Transparency isn’t a privilege; it’s a responsibility," she added.

Neeru Bajwa Calls for Fairness and Transparency

The actor further stated that creators are not seeking special treatment but are asking for fairness and the freedom for audiences to experience films and develop their own perspectives.

"We aren’t asking for special treatment—we’re asking for the truth, for fairness, and for the freedom to experience a film and form our own opinions. Our voices matter. Our stories matter. And the truth matters," Bajwa said.

Film withdrawn amid controversy

Satluj was taken down from the Zee5 streaming platform within two days of its release after objections were raised over its content.

The move sparked criticism from several Sikh organisations and political groups, who alleged that the film had been removed under pressure.

The decision has since fuelled a wider debate over artistic freedom, censorship, and the portrayal of Punjab's turbulent history in cinema.

Storyline of Satluj

Satluj (originally titled Punjab '95) is a biographical political drama inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, played by Diljit Dosanjh. The film is set against the backdrop of Punjab's insurgency in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The story follows Khalra, an ordinary bank employee who begins investigating the disappearance of thousands of people allegedly picked up by security forces during the militancy period.

By examining municipal records and cremation registers, he uncovers evidence suggesting that thousands of unidentified bodies were secretly cremated without due legal process.

As Khalra pursues the truth, he comes into conflict with powerful police officials and the state machinery. Despite mounting threats, he continues his campaign to expose the alleged human rights violations.

The narrative culminates in his abduction in 1995 and the subsequent investigation into his disappearance, highlighting his courage and sacrifice in the fight for justice.

Directed by Honey Trehan, the film also stars Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, Kanwaljit Singh, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, and Varun Badola.

The film has generated widespread debate because it depicts a sensitive period in Punjab's history and is based on real events surrounding Khalra's investigations into alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations.