Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated film, Punjab ’95, a biopic based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has encountered significant hurdles in its journey to release. Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, the film has been embroiled in a contentious battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for over two years, leading to multiple delays and widespread debate.
In This Article:
CBFC’s Extensive Censorship Demands
The CBFC’s objections to Punjab ’95 have been extensive, with reports indicating that the board has demanded nearly 120 cuts to the film. These alterations include requests to rename the protagonist’s character, initially based on Khalra, and to change the film’s title from Ghalughara (meaning massacre) to Sutlej, a reference to the river that unites Punjab. Additionally, the CBFC has sought the removal of scenes featuring Gurbani, mentions of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran, and references to Canada and the UK.
Sikh Community’s Response
The Sikh community, along with Khalra’s family, has expressed strong opposition to these proposed changes. Gurcharan Singh Grewal, General Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), criticized the CBFC’s demands, stating that renaming Khalra’s character would be disrespectful to his legacy. He emphasized that Khalra was a martyr who exposed the extrajudicial killings of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency, and altering his portrayal undermines the film’s authenticity.
Akal Takht’s Intervention
In response to the controversy, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, instructed the SGPC to form a panel of Sikh scholars to review the film. The panel’s objective is to ensure that the film accurately represents Khalra’s legacy and aligns with the community’s sentiments. Grewal emphasized the importance of releasing the film in its original form, stating that any alterations would dilute its message and historical accuracy.
Filmmakers’ Stance
Director Honey Trehan and producer Ronnie Screwvala have expressed their commitment to preserving the film’s integrity. They have refused to make the suggested changes, arguing that the film’s impact would be compromised if it were altered. Trehan criticized the CBFC’s demands as “unreasonable and politically coloured,” and stated that he would remove his name as the director if the film were released with cuts.
Release Delays and International Screening
The film’s release has been postponed multiple times due to the ongoing censorship issues. Initially slated for a global release in February 2025, the film was later announced for an international release on May 16, 2025. However, this date was also postponed, with Diljit Dosanjh announcing on social media that the release would not occur due to “circumstances beyond our control.”
Freedom of speech in risk
Punjab ’95 stands at the intersection of cinema, politics, and history. The ongoing censorship battle underscores the challenges filmmakers face when portraying sensitive historical events. As the film continues to navigate these obstacles, it highlights the broader discourse on freedom of expression and the preservation of historical narratives in Indian cinema.
By – Sonali
