Actor Gul Panag has criticised the ban on the film Satluj, calling censorship "counterproductive" and arguing that bans only fuel curiosity and politicise films. Speaking to NDTV, Panag said Punjab has repeatedly rejected separatism through democratic elections and questioned the fear that a film could significantly influence public opinion or electoral outcomes. While acknowledging that films can spark conversations, she maintained that mature democracies should not be afraid of open debate.