Havya Garg

Chitkara University, Punjab campus

"Truth, either sugar-coated or blurted out bluntly, remains unchanged. Though Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, films are often censored or told to delete facts. Cinema entertains, but it also unearths what is buried. A demand for 127 cuts would not merely alter a film; it would erase its essence. The more something is hidden, the more people seek it. The bigger question is: Why can an Indian film be shown everywhere except India? Are we trying to keep people in the dark or make them believe a version of reality that never existed?"

Aaddaya Sood, Class VIII

St Stephen’s School

"‘Satluj’ raises pertinent questions about the anonymous deaths and cremations of thousands of people in terrorism-infested Punjab, and how the truth was uncovered. Pulling it down from OTT indicates that either some high authority doesn't want Bollywood to make movies that reveal dirty truths, or they don't want citizens to call out the powers that be."

Ravi Bhoria, Phd scholar of contemporary cinema

Hindi Dept, MDU

"The removal of ‘Satluj’ from OTT is deeply concerning. Such actions set a worrying precedent for Indian cinema and creative expression. A film should not be taken down merely because of pressure or controversy. Cinema exists to present diverse ideas and encourage debate, not just comfortable opinions. Arbitrary removal undermines artistic freedom and discourages filmmakers from telling honest stories. A democratic country should address disagreement through discussion, not by making creative works disappear."

Shaanpreet Singh

"It seems like the government doesn’t want people to learn about the dark reality of Punjab during 1995. The government is trying to control the thoughts and expressions of people, and using films as propaganda. Films like ‘Kashmir Files’, ‘Sabarmati Express’ and ‘Kerala Stories’ depicted violence between Hindus and Muslims, but they were allowed to run tax-free in many states. ‘Satluj’ shows the real story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and his struggle against brutal crimes. The films advocates human rights."

Shashi Singh, postgraduate student

University of Delhi and Research Consultant, Samruddha Bharat Foundation

"The fact that Satluj was removed 48 hours after premiering on OTT sets a troubling precedent. Suppressing a film which addresses documented historical atrocities stifles the ability of artists to highlight uncomfortable truths. Freedom of expression should remain unfettered to the extent that it doesn't lead to violence, sectarian or otherwise. The film clearly does not do that. That's why people from across the political spectrum, irrespective of their position on the cinematographic merit of the film, should unite and challenge this arbitrary removal."

Aditya Kumar Tripathi BA hons History

Hansraj College University of Delhi

"The removal of ‘Satluj’ is antithesis to the freedom of expression. Though it was passed by the Censor Board, it was still removed. The decision was biased. Unlike films like ‘Kashmir Files’, ‘Kerala Story’ and ‘Article 370’, which suited the political dispensation, there were no false claims in ‘Satluj’. Pulling it down is not merely a blow to artistic expression; it indicates that the powers that be decide the flow of information."

Shahanshah Khan Research Scholar

Aligarh Muslim University

"The controversy surrounding the removal of ‘Satluj’ extends beyond an artistic work, as it raises a fundamental question about healthy democratic societies. Art has long served as a mirror to society, encouraging reflection, dissent, and dialogue. Restricting creative expression because it challenges prevailing opinions risks fostering a culture of self-censorship. Freedom of expression is not without limits, but any restriction must be lawful, proportionate, and transparent. Democracies are strengthened when controversial ideas are answered with discussion instead of suppression. Whether one agrees with ‘Satluj’ or not, protecting the space for artistic voices is essential. A society confid"

Sarika Yadav, BA, LLB, MA Political Science

"At first glance, the ‘Satluj’ controversy appears to concern freedom of speech and expression. Yet it raises deeper questions about the rights of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed human rights violations and paid a heavy personal price. The filmmaker sought to portray history, suffering, and Khalra’s sacrifice through an artistic lens. Khalra challenged the State for restricting individual rights, while the State may justify its actions in the name of national security. As Machiavelli wrote, “The ends justify the means.” The issue is not about a particular government but about the State itself, making it a complex debate on rights and national interest."