Chandigarh: Retired IPS officer, former Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), and senior Congress leader Gurinder Singh Dhillon has strongly praised the recently released film Satluj, describing it as “one of the great artistic works” and urging audiences, especially the younger generation, to watch it.
Sharing his thoughts after watching the film with his family, Dhillon said that every member of his family unanimously agreed that Satluj is an outstanding cinematic achievement. He credited director Honey Trehan for delivering an exceptional film, saying the project firmly establishes him among the finest filmmakers in the industry.
Dhillon also applauded the film’s screenplay and the performances of its cast. He singled out Diljit Dosanjh for his portrayal of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, saying the actor’s performance was so compelling that it made him forget Dosanjh’s identity as a celebrated singer. He also praised Suvinder Vicky for portraying Ajit Singh Sandhu, Arjun Rampal as CBI officer Samundri Singh, Geetika Vidya as Paramjit Kaur Khalra, Amit Dhawan as DSP Jaspal Singh, and veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh for his portrayal of former Punjab DGP K.P.S. Gill.
According to Dhillon, the film’s gripping narrative, authentic screenplay, and realistic depiction of Punjab during the turbulent 1990s keep viewers emotionally invested throughout. He said that many scenes resonated with his own experiences from that period, making the film deeply moving and emotionally powerful.
He further commended producer Ronnie Screwvala and director Honey Trehan for presenting historical events in a balanced, artistic, and engaging manner. “The setting perfectly recreates Punjab of the 1990s, and the storytelling demonstrates that real events can be portrayed with both authenticity and cinematic excellence,” he said.
Dhillon described Satluj as a must-watch for Generation Z, irrespective of religion, saying the younger generation can gain valuable insight into a significant chapter of Punjab’s history while appreciating high-quality filmmaking.
He also expressed confidence that if the film receives a full theatrical release internationally, it could achieve remarkable commercial success in Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the film, Dhillon remarked that its effect lingers long after the credits roll. “Even an hour after the movie ends, it is difficult to disengage from its emotional and psychological impact,” he said.
Addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the film, Dhillon stated that he sees no justification for removing Satluj from OTT platforms. In his view, the film does not promote religious discord or pose any threat to law and order in Punjab. He also appealed to Punjabis not to be influenced by what he described as politically motivated and exaggerated narratives surrounding the film.
Dhillon concluded by urging audiences to evaluate the film on its artistic merit and historical storytelling rather than through the lens of political controversy