The much-anticipated film “Punjab ’95,” directed by Honey Trehan and starring the versatile Diljit Dosanjh, is currently embroiled in a protracted battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, which seeks to shed light on the investigations led by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra into the disappearances and killings of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency between 1984 and 1994, has faced considerable resistance from the Censor Board.
On Sunday, the CBFC’s examining committee screened “Punjab ’95” and responded with a staggering demand for 85 cuts. Despite this substantial number of edits, the board remains hesitant to approve the film’s release, creating what appears to be an indefinite limbo for the project. According to an insider from the film’s team, “In spite of agreeing to the suggested 85 cuts, the makers were told that the film remains a contentious subject, and whether it should be released in the current times is a question. A final decision has yet to be taken by the CBFC.”
This is not the first time “Punjab ’95” has encountered obstacles with the Censor Board. The film, initially titled “Ghallughara,” was subjected to scrutiny in December 2022. At that time, the CBFC took six months to review the film and eventually demanded 21 cuts along with a change of title. Disappointed but undeterred, producer Ronnie Screwvala’s production house appealed the decision in the Bombay High Court. The protracted battle led to the movie being withdrawn from the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival’s lineup, a move that disheartened both the cast and crew.
Amidst the current uncertainties, the film’s cast members remain hopeful about its eventual release. One actor expressed the team’s determination, stating, “The film might be butchered, but the team will ensure its release. Right now, we are fighting for its existence.” The actor, however, remained tight-lipped about their future course of action.
Adding to the challenges, a source close to the production team mentioned that the producers are being dissuaded from pushing forward with the release.
. The film’s portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s mysterious disappearance in September 1995—culminating in the conviction of six Punjab police officers for his murder a decade later—is seen as highly provocative. The source elaborated, “The producer has been requested to write off the film as a bad investment. CBFC won’t allow its release because it is considered to be a volatile subject. There are concerns that it shows cops in a poor light by reflecting Khalra’s custodial death, and that could lead to violence across the country. The material needs to be reimagined drastically for release.”
In light of these developments, comments from key figures like Screwvala and Trehan remain elusive, with neither responding to texts in time for press coverage. The compounding challenges for “Punjab ’95” underscore the broader issue of censorship and freedom of expression in the film industry.
While the possibility of the film’s release hangs in the balance, the determination and resilience of its creators and cast are evident. The turbulent history and candid revelations regarding state-sponsored violence depicted in the film have undeniably touched a sensitive nerve, making regulatory bodies wary. Despite these hurdles, the film’s underlying message and its historical significance ensure that its struggle for release has sparked conversations well beyond the realm of cinema.
Amidst this controversy, the continued spotlight on “Punjab ’95” indicates that its creators’ resolve is far from diminishing. A member from the production remarked, “We are prepared to face all eventualities. The narrative of Jaswant Singh Khalra is not merely a story but a crucial chapter of our history that deserves recognition and understanding.”
As filmmakers and audiences await the final verdict from the CBFC, the discourse surrounding “Punjab ’95” highlights an essential conversation about storytelling, historical narratives, and the often complex regulations that surround cinema. Whether the film will ultimately see the light of day remains uncertain, but its journey has already made a profound impact on the discourse of creative expression and historical truth-telling in Indian cinema.
