Amid the growing controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj', veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh has issued a strong statement regarding the project's future. He expressed that preventing a film from reaching the audience after it has been fully produced is a great injustice to the entire team involved. According to the actor, it is unfair to dismiss the years of hard work and dedication poured into the project by the cast and crew.
A Challenging Role
Kanwaljit Singh shared that 'Satluj' stands out as one of the most demanding roles in his entire career. He noted that it offered him the rare opportunity to portray a ruthless individual, a character type he had not explored previously. This complexity is exactly what drew him to the script. Furthermore, he highlighted that the film is based on a significant piece of history that has historically remained underrepresented in public discourse, making the narrative inherently vital.
Researching the Character
Elaborating on his preparation, the actor revealed that his character was inspired by a senior official from Punjab. To prepare for the role, he researched all available information on the internet, analyzed the official's public speeches, and tried to grasp the nuances of their personality. However, the director maintained that the goal was not to mimic the person but to bring the character to life through performance. Kanwaljit admitted that due to the makeup and styling, many people felt his look was uncannily similar to that official.
Behind the Delays
Discussing the obstacles faced by the film, Kanwaljit Singh argued that controversies are not the only factor hindering a release. Often, financial burdens, technical difficulties, and practical issues are at play. He expressed empathy for the entire crew, stating that when a film fails to release after years of effort, the disappointment is akin to that of an author whose book remains unpublished despite years of writing.
Resilience of the Makers
Addressing the ongoing disputes, Kanwaljit shared that the matter has been dragging on across various levels for nearly two to three years. Despite this, the film's producer and director have stood firm in their decisions. Instead of bowing to external pressure, they stood their ground. Kanwaljit mentioned that at one point, there were demands for massive cuts to the film, and it was even withdrawn from a film festival in Canada.
Call for Early Resolution
Ultimately, Kanwaljit Singh proposed that any objections regarding the subject matter of a film should be handled long before cameras roll. He believes that all necessary discussions and approvals must be secured during the initial planning stages. He concluded that it is fundamentally wrong to call for bans or demand major changes after money has been spent, the project is completed, and the creative team has poured their hearts into the work.
